Symmetries, Clusters, and Synchonization Patterns in Complex Networks

Tuesday, October 22, 2013 - 3:15pm - 4:30pm
Regents 109
Thomas Murphy
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Director, Institute for Research in Electronics & Applied Physics,The University of Maryland

Synchronization is of central importance in power distribution, telecommunication, neuronal, and biological networks. Many networks are observed to produce patterns of synchronized clusters, but it has been difficult to predict these clusters or understand the conditions for formation. Here, we show the intimate connection between network symmetry and cluster synchronization. We employ computational group theory to reveal the clusters and determine their stability. The connection between symmetry and cluster synchronization is explored using an electro-optic network. We observe and explain a surprising phenomenon in which some clusters lose synchrony while leaving others synchronized. The results could guide the design of new power grid systems or lead to new understanding of the dynamical behavior of networks ranging from neural to social.

REFRESHMENTS AT 3:00 PM IN REGENTS HALL 109

Host: Rhonda Dzakpasu
Discussion Leader: Rhonda Dzakpasu