Cluster synchronization in fractional-order complex dynamical networks

Cluster synchronization of complex dynamical networks with fractional-order dynamical nodes is discussed in the Letter. By using the stability theory of fractional-order differential system and linear pinning control, a sufficient condition for the stability of the synchronization behavior in complex networks with fractional order dynamics is derived. Only the nodes in one community which have direct connections to the nodes in other communities are needed to be controlled, resulting in reduced control cost. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the obtained result. Numerical simulations illustrate that cluster synchronization performance for fractional-order complex dynamical networks is influenced by inner-coupling matrix, control gain, coupling strength and topological structures of the networks. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.