Shifts in global network dynamics due to small changes at single nodes

Abstract

Understanding the sensitivity of a system's behavior with respect to parameter changes is essential for many applications. This sensitivity may be desired---for instance, in the brain, where a large repertoire of different dynamics, particularly different synchronization patterns, is crucial---or may be undesired---for instance, in power grids, where disruptions to synchronization may lead to blackouts. In this paper, we show that networks of coupled phase oscillators with nonlinear interactions can acquire a very large and complicated sensitivity to changes made in either their units' parameters or in their connections. Even modifications made to a parameter of a single unit can radically alter the global dynamics of the network in an unpredictable manner. This occurs over a wide parameter region, around the network's transitions to phase synchronization. We argue that this is a widespread phenomenon that can be expected in real-world systems, extending even beyond networks of oscillators.