Nonlinear waves on circle networks with excitable nodes

Abstract

Nonlinear wave formation and propagation on a complex network with excitable node dynamics is of fundamental interest in diverse fields in science and engineering. Here, we propose a new model of the Kuramoto type to study nonlinear wave generation and propagation on circular subgraphs of a complex network. On circle networks, in the continuum limit, this model is equivalent to the over-damped Frenkel-Kontorova model. The new model is shown to keep the essential features of those well-known models such as the diffusively coupled B\"ar-Eiswirth model but with much simplified expression such that analytic analysis becomes possible. We classify traveling wave solutions on circle networks and show the universality of its features with perturbation analysis and numerical computation.