Complex dynamics of a simple distributed self-oscillatory model system with delay

A simple model for a distributed self-oscillatory system with cubic nonlinearity and delay is presented. Conditions for oscillation self-excitation and stationary oscillation conditions, as well as the stability of the oscillations, are analyzed. Nonstationary self-modulation regimes (including conditions of complex dynamics and chaos) are simulated numerically over a wide range of control parameters. As the factor of nonequilibrium grows, regular and chaotic regimes alternate in a complex manner. The transitions to chaos may follow all scenarios known for finite-dimensional systems. The model suggested is somewhat akin to a number of earlier finite-dimensional models aimed at studying mode competition in resonance electron masers.