Discrete variable methods for delay-differential equations with threshold-type delays (Q1019655)

The authors consider initial value/function problems of systems of (ordinary) delay differential equations. Thereby, the delay is an unknown value determined implicitly via an additional nonlinear equation involving a threshold value. The authors analyze a general class of numerical methods based on difference schemes. Polynomial interpolation yields approximations of the required solution values in the past. An error analysis is performed assuming that a specific integral operator defines the nonlinear equation. The consistency of the method is proved under certain conditions. Finally, the authors present numerical simulations of two test examples: a predator-prey model with two differential equations and a model from epidemics with one differential equation. The used numerical scheme applies the explicit Euler method, the nonlinear equations are solved via bisection and the integral operator is discretized by the trapezoidal rule. In conclusion, a sophisticated error analysis of a class of numerical methods for the defined type of problems is presented.