Bifurcation Analysis in a Three-Neuron Artificial Neural Network Model with Distributed Delays

In this paper, a three-neuron artificial neural network model with distributed delays is considered. Its dynamics is investigated in term of the linear stability analysis and Hopf bifurcation analysis. By regarding the sum of two delays as a bifurcation parameter and analyzing the associated characteristic equation, we find that Hopf bifurcation occurs when the bifurcation parameter passes through some certain values. Some explicit formulae for determining the stability and the direction of the Hopf bifurcation periodic solutions are derived by using the normal form method and center manifold theory. Finally, computer simulations are given to support the theoretical predictions.