Synchronization in the presence of time delays and inertia: Stability criteria

Linear stability of synchronized states in networks of delay-coupled oscillators depends on the type of interaction, the network and oscillator properties. For inert oscillator response, found ubiquitously from biology to engineering, states with time-dependent frequencies can arise. These generate side bands in the frequency spectrum or lead to chaotic dynamics. Stability analysis is difficult due to delay-induced multistability and has only been available via numerical approaches. We derive criteria and conditions that enable fast and robust analytical linear stability analysis based on the system parameters. These apply to arbitrary network topologies, identical oscillators and delays.