New lower bound for the Hilbert number in piecewise quadratic differential systems

Abstract: We study the number of limit cycles bifurcating from a piecewise quadratic system. All the differential systems considered are piecewise in two zones separated by a straight line. We prove the existence of 16 crossing limit cycles in this class of systems. If we denote by $H_p(n)$ the extension of the Hilbert number to degree $n$ piecewise polynomial differential systems, then $H_p(2)\geq 16.$ As fas as we are concerned, this is the best lower bound for the quadratic class. Moreover, all the limit cycles appear in one nest bifurcating from the period annulus of some isochronous quadratic centers.