Synchronization and desynchronization of complex dynamical networks: an engineering viewpoint

We study synchronization and desynchronization of a complex network of chaotic dynamical systems, in both continuous-time and discrete-time cases. With proved synchronization conditions, we illustrate network synchronization and desynchronization processes by a prototype composing of Henon maps in a scale-free network. We show that synchronization and desynchronization of such a complex dynamical network can be determined by the network topology and the maximum Lyapunov exponent of the individual chaotic nodes.