Global synchronization of partially forced Kuramoto oscillators on networks

Abstract

We study the synchronization of Kuramoto oscillators on networks where only a fraction of them is subjected to a periodic external force. When all oscillators receive the external drive the system always synchronize with the periodic force if its intensity is sufficiently large. Our goal is to understand the conditions for global synchronization as a function of the fraction of nodes being forced and how these conditions depend on network topology, strength of internal couplings and intensity of external forcing. Numerical simulations show that the force required to synchronize the network with the external drive increases as the inverse of the fraction of forced nodes. However, for a given coupling strength, synchronization does not occur below a critical fraction, no matter how large is the force. Network topology and properties of the forced nodes also affect the critical force for synchronization. We develop analytical calculations for the critical force for synchronization as a function of the fraction of forced oscillators and for the critical fraction as a function of coupling strength. We also describe the transition from synchronization with the external drive to spontaneous synchronization.