Classical Lienard equations of degree n ≥ 6 can have [n-1/2]+2 limit cycles

Based on geometric singular perturbation theory we prove the existence of classical Lienard equations of degree 6 having 4 limit cycles. It implies the existence of classical Lienard equations of degree n >= 6, having at least [n-1/2] + 2 limit cycles. This contradicts the conjecture from Lins, de Melo and Pugh formulated in 1976, where an upperbound of [n-1/2] limit cycles was predicted. This paper improves the counterexample from Dumortier, Panazzolo and Roussarie (2007) by supplying one additional limit cycle from degree 7 on, and by finding a counterexample of degree 6. We also give a precise system of degree 6 for which we provide strong numerical evidence that it has at least 3 limit cycles. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.