Melnikov analysis for planar piecewise linear vector fields with algebraic switching curve $y^n-x^m=0$

Abstract: This paper is devoted to the study of the maximum number of limit cycles, $H(m,n)$, of a planar piecewise linear differential system with two zones separated by the curve $y<sup>n-x<sup>m=0$, with $n,m$ being positive integers. More precisely, we provide a lower estimate of $H(m,n)$. for all $m,n\in \mathbb{N}$, for piecewise linear perturbations of the linear center using some recent results about Chebyshev systems with positive accuracy and Melnikov Theory