Stability of multi‐group coupled systems on networks with multi‐diffusion based on the graph‐theoretic approach

In this paper, the issue of stability of multi‐group coupled systems on networks with multi‐diffusion (MCSNMs) is mainly analyzed. Utilizing graph theory, a novel and practical method of constructing a proper Lyapunov function for the MCSNMs is presented. Furthermore, based on the graph‐theoretic approach and the proposed Lyapunov function, sufficient criteria, in the term of Lyapunov function and coefficients of the system, respectively, are derived to ensure the stability of the MCSNMs. Apart from accessibility to checking, the proposed results can generalize the corresponding results published in a previous time. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the obtained results are demonstrated by a numerical example. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.