Instability of scale-free networks under node-breaking avalanches

Abstract

The instability introduced in a large scale-free network by the triggering of\nnode-breaking avalanches is analyzed using the fiber-bundle model as conceptual\nframework. We found, by measuring the size of the giant component, the\navalanche size distribution and other quantities, the existence of an abrupt\ntransition. This test of strength for complex networks like Internet is more\nstringent than others recently considered like the random removal of nodes,\nanalyzed within the framework of percolation theory. Finally, we discuss the\npossible implications of our results and their relevance in forecasting\ncascading failures in scale-free networks.\n