Recovery of synchronized oscillations on multiplex networks by tuning dynamical time scales

Abstract

The heterogeneity among interacting dynamical systems or variations in the pattern of their interactions occur naturally in many real complex systems. Often they lead to partially synchronized states like chimeras or oscillation suppressed states like in-homogeneous or homogeneous steady states. In such cases, it is a challenge to get synchronized oscillations in spite of prevailing heterogeneity. In this study, we present a formalism for controlling multi layer, multi timescale systems and show how synchronized oscillations can be restored by tuning the dynamical time scales between the layers. Specifically, we use the model of a multiplex network, where the first layer of coupled oscillators is multiplexed with an environment layer, that can generate various types of chimera states and suppressed states. We show that by tuning the time scale mismatch between the layers, we can revive the synchronized oscillations. We analyse the nature of the transition of the system to synchronization from various dynamical states and the role of time scale mismatch and strength of inter layer coupling in this scenario. We also consider a three-layer multiplex system, where two system layers interact with the common environment layer. In this case, we observe anti synchronization and in-homogeneous steady states on the system layers and by tuning their time scale difference with the environment layer, they undergo transition to synchronized oscillations. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.