Stability criteria for linear second order delay differential system (Q1118093)

Consider the second order delay differential system \[ (*)\quad \dot x(t)=a_ 1x(t)+a_ 2x(t-r)+b_ 1y(t)+b_ 2y(t-r),\quad \dot y(t)=c_ 1x(t)+c_ 2x(t-r)+d_ 1y(t)+d_ 2y(t-r), \] where r is a positive constant and all coefficients are real constants. Our main results are as follows: (1) The maximal length of the delay for which the stability of system (*) is maintained is obtained in the case where the zero solution of system (*) is asymptotically stable in the absence of delay. (2) Necessary and sufficient criteria for judging that the asymptotical stability of system (*) is preserved for an arbitrary large delay are obtained.