Structural and dynamical optimization of flow networks
Abstract
We will consider flow dynamics on complex networks and focus on optimization problems (OPs) that concern both (i) the structural optimization of flow networks, i.e., determining the network structure that best serves a given demand, and (ii) the dynamical optimization of flow networks, i.e., finding the best type of flow dynamics that should be used to satisfy a given demand without necessarily. We will study the mathematical properties of these OPs (e.g., computational complexity of the problems, submodularity of the objective functions); design algorithms for approximating solutions to the OPs in an effective but computationally feasible manner; apply our theoretical and algorithmic approaches to the analysis of large-scale datasets describing flow dynamics in real networks. We will consider not only static, single-layer networks, but also time-varying, multi-layer networks. We will achieve our objectives relying on analytical and numerical methods proper of graph theory, complexity theory, data science, and statistical physics. Given the ubiquity of networks in the real world and the generality of the dynamical models that we will consider, developments of our research program may be useful in a multitude of real applications. These include decision making in military operations where the optimization of infrastructural networks is critical for properly sustaining the flow of people, information, and goods. The educational goal of the project is to integrate results and methods developed during the research activity into existing courses on Complex Systems and Data Analytics at the Indiana University School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. The outreach plan will recruit students from minority and other underrepresented groups.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2025
- Source ID
- FA95502410039
Entities
People
- Filippo Radicchi
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Indiana University
- United States Air Force