Disorder, Fragility and Localization in Networked Control and Dynamical Systems

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $470,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Large-scale networks of interconnected dynamical systems are ubiquitous in both nature and engineered systems. For example, the AC electric transmission grid is arguably one of the most complex machines ever built. Its stability requires the operation of thousands of generators in synchrony to within milliseconds. This synchrony is achieved through networked interconnections and dynamic interactions. The study of these network dynamics is essential in characterizing the resilience of such critical infrastructure to disturbances, uncertainties and exogenous shocks. Networked oscillators operating in various states of partial or complete synchrony are also ubiquitous in biology, from interconnected neurons to the synchronization of fireflies. The commonality between all these disparate networked systems is in the underlying mathematical structure and phenomena. Thus the study of synchrony phenomena in one type of network can inform the understanding of another network that at first might seem to be a very different system. The proposed research aims at studying a recently discovered type of network vulnerability that arises from certain patterns in the way some networks are interconnected. Mathematically, this phenomenon is known as the localization of eigenvectors that describe the network structure. We study the intriguing mathematical similarities between these phenomena in macro-scale networks on the one hand, and those that occur in semiconductor physics known as Ander

Key facts

NSF award ID
2453491
Awardee
University of California-Santa Barbara (CA)
SAM.gov UEI
G9QBQDH39DF4
PI
Bassam Bamieh
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Control systems & applications, Electric power networks, CONTROL SYSTEMS
Estimated total
$470,000
Funds obligated
$470,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2028