Cascading dynamics on coupled networks with load-capacity interplay and concurrent recovery-failure

Abstract

Coupled networks play a crucial role in modern infrastructure, where damage to one network can trigger cascading failures across the entire system. However, most studies on cascading failures in coupled networks have focused solely on failure propagation, overlooking the simultaneous occurrence of recovery and failure. To address this, we develop a general cascading failure model for interdependent networks that considers dynamic load-capacity interactions and concurrent recovery mechanisms. Specifically, the model captures how variations in the load of one network influence the coupled network and how recovery processes mitigate cascading effects. Using this model, we conducted experiments on a coupled power-communication network as a case study, employing various many-to-many coupling strategies. Results indicate disassortative coupling excels at low recovery thresholds, and assortative coupling at high thresholds, both outperforming random coupling and being less affected by recovery sensitivity. Larger node load differences resist random attacks better, while smaller differences resist maximum load attacks more effectively.