Non-mean-field behavior of the contact process on scale-free networks.
We present an analysis of the classical contact process on scale-free networks. A mean-field study, both for finite and infinite network sizes, yields an absorbing-state phase transition at a finite critical value of the control parameter, characterized by a set of exponents depending on the network structure. Since finite size effects are large and the infinite network limit cannot be reached in practice, a numerical study of the transition requires the application of finite size scaling theory. Contrary to other critical phenomena studied previously, the contact process in scale-free networks exhibits a nontrivial critical behavior that cannot be quantitatively accounted for by mean-field theory.
Castellano
Claudio
C
CNR-INFM, SMC, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 2, I-00185 Roma, Italy.
Pastor-Satorras
Romualdo
R
D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D015233:Models, Statistical; D008962:Models, Theoretical