Non-trivial periodic solutions for a class of second order differential equations with large delay (Q6089343)

In this paper there is investigated the following autonomous functional differential equation \[ \theta^{\prime\prime}-\theta+f(\theta(t-r))=0, \] where \(r>0\), \(f: \mathbb{R}^+\to \mathbb{R}^+\) is a continuous function for which \(f(0)=0\), \(f(\eta)=\eta\), \(f^{\prime}(0)>1\), \(f^{\prime}(\eta)<0\), \(f\) has a unique critical point \(\psi\) on \((0, \eta)\). The authors ensure conditions under which the considered equation has a unique non-trivial positive and even \(2r\)-periodic solution. To prove the main result, the authors explore the application of the classical Leray-Schauder degree.