Dynamic Transitions in Small World Networks: Approach to Equilibrium

Abstract

We study the transition to phase synchronization in a model for the spread of infection defined on a small world network. It was shown (Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 86} (2001) 2909) that the transition occurs at a finite degree of disorder $p$, unlike equilibrium models where systems behave as random networks even at infinitesimal $p$ in the infinite size limit. We examine this system under variation of a parameter determining the driving rate, and show that the transition point decreases as we drive the system more slowly. Thus it appears that the transition moves to $p=0$ in the very slow driving limit, just as in the equilibrium case.