Synchronization of coupled oscillators on small-world networks

We investigate the synchronous dynamics of Kuramoto oscillators and van der Pol oscillators on Watts-Strogatz type small-world networks. The order parameters to characterize macroscopic synchronization are calculated by numerical integration. We focus on the difference between frequency synchronization and phase synchronization. In both oscillator systems, the critical coupling strength of the phase order is larger than that of the frequency order for the small-world networks. The critical coupling strength for the phase and frequency synchronization diverges as the network structure approaches the regular one. For the Kuramoto oscillators, the behavior can be described by a power-law function and the exponents are obtained for the two synchronizations. The separation of the critical point between the phase and frequency synchronizations is found only for small-world networks in the theoretical models studied.     

Synchronization of Kuramoto oscillators in random complex networks

We study the synchronization of coupled phase oscillators in random complex networks. The topology of the networks is assumed to be vary over time. Here we mainly study the onset of global phase synchronization when the topology switches rapidly over time. We find that the results are, to some extent, different from those in deterministic situations. In particular, the synchronizability of coupled oscillators can be enhanced in ER networks and scale-free networks under fast switching, while in stochastic small-world networks such enhancement is not significant.     

Small-World Connections to Induce Firing Activity and Phase Synchronization in Neural Networks

We investigate how the firing activity and the subsequent phase synchronization of neural networks with smallworld topological connections depend on the probability p of adding-links. Network elements are described by two-dimensional map neurons （2DMNs） in a quiescent original state. Neurons burst for a given coupling strength when the topological randomness p increases, which is absent in a regular-lattice neural network. The bursting activity becomes frequent and synchronization of neurons emerges as topological randomness further increases. The maximal firing frequency and phase synchronization appear at a particular value of p. However, if the randomness p further increases, the firing frequency decreases and synchronization is apparently destroyed.     

Order Parameter Hysteresis on the Complex Network

Collective synchronization is investigated on the small-world network （NW model）. The order parameter is introduced to measure the synchronization of phase. It is found that there are differences between the processes of synchronization and desynchronization. The dependence of order parameter on the coupling strength is shown like a hysteresis loop. The size of the loop demonstrates the non-monotonicity with the change of adding probability, and is relevant to the construction of the network. The area may be maximum, as the adding probability is equal to 0.4. This phenomenon indicates that the clusters in the network play an important role in the processes of synchronization and desynchronization.     

Synchronization in complex networks

Synchronization processes in populations of locally interacting elements are the focus of intense research in physical, biological, chemical, technological and social systems. The many efforts devoted to understanding synchronization phenomena in natural systems now take advantage of the recent theory of complex networks. In this review, we report the advances in the comprehension of synchronization phenomena when oscillating elements are constrained to interact in a complex network topology. We also take an overview of the new emergent features coming out from the interplay between the structure and the function of the underlying patterns of connections. Extensive numerical work as well as analytical approaches to the problem are presented. Finally, we review several applications of synchronization in complex networks to different disciplines: biological systems and neuroscience, engineering and computer science, and economy and social sciences.     

Geographical Effects on Complex Networks

We investigate how the geographical structure of a complex network affects its network topology, synchronization and the average spatial length of edges. The geographical structure means that the connecting probability of two nodes is related to the spatial distance of the two nodes. Our simulation results show that the geographical structure changes the network topology. The synchronization tendency is enhanced and the average spatial length of edges is enlarged when the node can randomly connect to the further one. Analytic results support our understanding of the phenomena.     

Self-Organization in Coupled Map Scale-Free Networks

We study the self-organization of phase synchronization in coupled map scale-free networks with chaotic logistic map at each node and find that a variety of ordered spatiotemporal patterns emerge spontaneously in a regime of coupling strength. These ordered behaviours will change with the increase of the average finks and are robust to both the system size and parameter mismatch. A heuristic theory is given to explain the mechanism of self-organization and to figure out the regime of coupling for the ordered spatiotemporal patterns.     

Stability of the BA Network: a New Approach to Rigorous Proof

We propose a new approach to rigorously prove the existence of the steady-state degree distribution for the BA network. The approach is based on a vector Markov chain of vertex numbers in the network evolving process. This framework provides a rigorous theoretical basis for the rate equation approach which has been widely applied to many problems in the field of complex networks, e.g., epidemic spreading and dynamic synchronization.     

Generalized Projective Synchronization between Two Complex Networks with Time-Varying Coupling Delay

Generalized projective synchronization （GPS） between two complex networks with time-varying coupling delay is investigated. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, a nonlinear controller and adaptive updated laws are designed. Feasibility of the proposed scheme is proven in theory. Moreover, two numerical examples are presented, using the energy resource system and Lü＇s system [Physica A 382 （2007） 672] as the nodes of the networks. GPS between two energy resource complex networks with time-varying coupling delay is achieved. This study can widen the application range of the generalized synchronization methods and will be instructive for the demand supply of energy resource in some regions of China.     

Adaptive Synchronization between Two Different Complex Networks with Time-Varying Delay Coupling

A new general network model for two complex networks with time-varying delay coupling is presented. Then we investigate its synchronization phenomena. The two complex networks of the model differ in dynamic nodes, the number of nodes and the coupling connections. By using adaptive controllers, a synchronization criterion is derived. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained synchronization criterion. This study may widen the application range of synchronization, such as in chaotic secure communication.