Avalanche Collapse of Interdependent Network

TL;DR

This paper investigates how interdependent multiplex networks undergo avalanche-like collapses of their giant viable component under random damage, revealing critical clusters and phase transition behaviors.

Contribution

It identifies latent critical clusters and characterizes the hybrid phase transition in scale-free multiplex networks with finite mean degree.

Findings

Divergence of mean size of critical clusters signals phase transition

Discontinuous transition occurs when at least one network has finite mean degree

No critical precursors are observed on the non-approaching side

Abstract

We reveal the nature of the avalanche collapse of the giant viable component in multiplex networks under perturbations such as random damage. Specifically, we identify latent critical clusters associated with the avalanches of random damage. Divergence of their mean size signals the approach to the hybrid phase transition from one side, while there are no critical precursors on the other side. We find that this discontinuous transition occurs in scale-free multiplex networks whenever the mean degree of at least one of the interdependent networks does not diverge.