Epidemic spreading dynamics on two-layer complex networks

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that many real-world systems can be described by multi-layer complex networks. In this paper, the concept of layers is introduced to construct a traffic-driven SIR epidemic spreading model on “logical-physical” layered network. Based on the peak density of infected nodes and the ultimate density of recovered nodes, we investigate the features of epidemic spreading on layered network. Through numerical simulations, it is shown that traffic flow greatly influences the intensity and scope of epidemic spreading. By comparing the effects of four kinds of two-layer networks generated by ER random network model and BA scale-free network model on epidemic spreading, we found that the homogeneity of logical or physical network structure can promote the spread of epidemic more than heterogeneous networks. This work may be of service to design traffic-driven epidemic prevention and control strategies.