The Size of the Giant Joint Component in a Binomial Random Double Graph

Abstract

We study the joint components in a random 'double graph' that is obtained by superposing red and blue binomial random graphs on $n$~vertices.  A joint component is a maximal set of vertices that supports both a red and a blue spanning tree.  We show that there are critical pairs of red and blue edge densities at which a giant joint component appears.  In contrast to the standard binomial graph model, the phase transition is first order:  the size of the largest joint component jumps from $O(1)$ vertices to $\Theta(n)$ at the critical point.  We connect this phenomenon to the properties of a certain bicoloured branching process.