Robust analysis of cascading failures in complex networks

Abstract Many real-world complex systems, such as power grids, the Internet, transportation networks, and complex information systems networks, which can be modeled abstractly with complex networks, may exhibit coupling or interdependence when subjected to random failure or deliberate attacks, i.e., cascading failures. Therefore, we want to understand the robustness of complex networks against cascading failures. The cascading failure has a failure propagation process, and it is necessary to establish an appropriate propagation model as the research basis. Hence, we adopted a new and more universal cascading failure propagation model based on discrete dynamic system. Based on this propagation model and combined with risk assessment, we proposed several cascading robustness index for complex networks. Then we conducted numerical experiments on several types of existing complex networks and real-world network. These experiments confirm the feasibility and rationality of our proposed indicators to reflect the cascading robustness, which can provide a reference and value for simulation and protection of real-world interdependent networks.