Flow graphs: Interweaving dynamics and structure

R. Lambiotte, M. Barahona, J.-C. Delvenne, R. Sinatra, V. Latora, T.S. Evans

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    91 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The behavior of complex systems is determined not only by the topological organization of their interconnections but also by the dynamical processes taking place among their constituents. A faithful modeling of the dynamics is essential because different dynamical processes may be affected very differently by network topology. A full characterization of such systems thus requires a formalization that encompasses both aspects simultaneously, rather than relying only on the topological adjacency matrix. To achieve this, we introduce the concept of flow graphs, namely weighted networks where dynamical flows are embedded into the link weights. Flow graphs provide an integrated representation of the structure and dynamics of the system, which can then be analyzed with standard tools from network theory. Conversely, a structural network feature of our choice can also be used as the basis for the construction of a flow graph that will then encompass a dynamics biased by such a feature. We illustrate the ideas by focusing on the mathematical properties of generic linear processes on complex networks that can be represented as biased random walks and their dual consensus dynamics, and show how our framework improves our understanding of these processes. © 2011 American Physical Society.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalPhysical Review E - Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
    Volume84
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 25 Jul 2011

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Flow graphs: Interweaving dynamics and structure'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this