Clustering component synchronization in a class of unconnected networks via pinning control

Abstract Firstly, the definition of clustering component synchronization is given (that is, all nodes in each cluster realize partial component synchronization). Then, both stability theory and matrix analysis are used to study the group dynamics of a class of unconnected networks via pinning control. Furthermore, a sufficient condition on clustering component synchronization in the network is derived, and the correctness of the theoretical results is verified by numerical simulation. The advantage of the control scheme is that, by adjusting the dynamics of a very small number of pinning nodes, some clusters can be merged in the network, and then the presetting synchronous patterns can emerge. Compared with cluster synchronization and partial component synchronization, clustering component synchronization is a weaker group dynamics behavior.