In Equation (3.153), we saw a linear version of an epidemic model. The
commonly used nonlinear SIR model is given by
$$
\begin{aligned}
\frac{d S}{d t} &=-\beta S I \\
\frac{d I}{d t} &=\beta S I-\gamma I \\
\frac{d R}{d t} &=\gamma I
\end{aligned}
$$
where \(S\) is the number of susceptible individuals, \(I\) is the number of
infected individuals, and \(R\) is the number who have been removed from the
other groups, either by recovering or dying.
a. Let \(N=S+I+R\) be the total population. Prove that \(N=\) constant. Thus, one
need only solve the first two equations and find \(R=N-S-I\) afterward.
b. Find and classify the equilibria. Describe the equilibria in terms of the
population behavior.
c. Let \(\beta=0.05\) and \(\gamma=0.2\). Assume that in a population of 100 there
is one infected person. Numerically solve the system of equations for \(S(t)\)
and \(I(t)\) and describe the solution being careful to determine the units of
population and the constants.
d. The equations can be modified by adding constant birth and death rates.
Assuming these rates are the same, one would have a new system.
$$
\begin{aligned}
\frac{d S}{d t} &=-\beta S I+\mu(N-S) \\
\frac{d I}{d t} &=\beta S I-\gamma I-\mu I \\
\frac{d R}{d t} &=-\gamma I-\mu R
\end{aligned}
$$
How does this affect any equilibrium solutions?
e. Again, let \(\beta=0.05\) and \(\gamma=0.2\). Let \(\mu=0.1\) For a population of
100 with one infected person, numerically solve the system of equations for
\(S(t)\) and \(I(t)\) and describe the solution being careful to determine the
units of populations and the constants.
