Model for cascading failures in complex networks.
Large but rare cascades triggered by small initial shocks are present in most of the infrastructure networks. Here we present a simple model for cascading failures based on the dynamical redistribution of the flow on the network. We show that the breakdown of a single node is sufficient to collapse the efficiency of the entire system if the node is among the ones with largest load. This is particularly important for real-world networks with a highly hetereogeneous distribution of loads as the Internet and electrical power grids.
Crucitti
Paolo
P
Scuola Superiore di Catania, Via S. Paolo 73, 95123 Catania, Italy.
Latora
Vito
V
Marchiori
Massimo
M