Nonlinear oscillations in business cycle model with time lags

In this paper we analyse the dynamics of the Kaldor-Kalecki business cycle model. This model is based on the classical Kaldor model in which capital stock changes are caused by past investment decisions. This lag is connected with time delay needed for new capital to be installed. The dynamics of the model is reduced to the form of damped oscillator with negative feedback connected with lag parameter and next it is analysed in terms of bifurcation theory. We find conditions for existence and persistence of oscillatory behaviour which is represented by limit cycle on some central manifold in phase space, i.e., single Hopf bifurcation. We demonstrate that the Hopf cycles may be exhibited for nonzero measure set of the parameter space. The conditions for bifurcation of co-dimension two connected with interaction of bifurcations as well as bifurcation diagrams are also given. Finally, we obtain numerical values describing an amplitude and a period of oscillation for different parameter of the system. It is also proved that while the investment function is not nonlinear a quasi-periodic solution (a 1:2 resonant double Hopf point) can appear. The source of such a behaviour is rather a consequence of time lag than nonlinearity of the investment function. Our results confirm the existence of asymmetric (two periodic) cycles in the Kaldor-Kalecki model with time-to-build. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.