Understanding and preventing cascading breakdown in complex clustered networks

Abstract

Complex clustered networks are ubiquitous in natural and technological systems. Understanding the physics of the security of such networks in response to attacks is of significant value. We develop a model, based on physical analysis and numerical computations, for the key ingredients of load dynamics in typical clustered networks. With this understanding, an effective strategy is proposed for preventing cascading breakdown, one of the most disastrous events that can happen to a complex networked system.