Cascading failure propagation in interconnected networks with tunable load redistribution strategy

With the development of modern systems, many previous isolated infrastructure networks are coupled together and should be modeled as interconnected networks. Cascading failures of loads in interconnected networks are more complex compared to isolated networks and the corresponding researches are still insufficient. In this paper, cascading failure model used in isolated is extended to the case of interconnected networks. We propose a novel tunable load distribution model, in which the redistribution range and homogeneity are adjustable. Based on the novel model failure cascades in interconnected networks are studied in detail. Numerical simulation and analysis results show that robustness of interconnected network depends on the coupling relationship and load redistribution strategy. The results are useful for the design and optimization of interconnected infrastructure networks, such as power grids and transportation systems.