This study examines the complex interplay between inertia and time delay in regular rotor networks within the framework of the second-order Kuramoto model. By combining analytical and numerical methods, we demonstrate that intrinsic time delays—arising from finite information transmission speeds—induce multistability among fully synchronized phase-locked states. Unlike systems without inertia, the presence of inertia destabilizes these phase-locked states, reduces their basin of attraction, and gives rise to nonlinear phase-locked dynamics over specific inertia ranges. In addition, we show that time delays promote the emergence of turbulent chimera states, while inertia enhances their spatial extent. Notably, the combined influence of inertia and time delay produces dynamic patterns reminiscent of partial epileptic seizures. These findings provide new insights into synchronization phenomena by revealing how inertia and time delay fundamentally reshape the stability and dynamics of regular rotor networks, with broader implications for neuronal modeling and other complex systems. • Inertia and time delays shape synchronization in regular rotor networks. • As delays grow, phase-locked states persist but become increasingly unlikely. • Inertia destabilizes many of these states and shrinks their basins of attraction. • Delays induce turbulent chimera states, inertia amplifies their spatial extent. • The observed network-patterns are reminiscent of partial epileptic seizures.
Mahdavi et al. (Sat,) studied this question.