Network automata and the functional dynamic network framework

We introduce the Functional Dynamic Network framework for dealing with networks in which the topology evolves according to some specified microscopic rules and, simultaneously, there is a dynamic process taking place on the network that both depends on its structure but is also capable of modifying it. As such it is a generic framework for dealing with the types on systems in which network structure, dynamics, and function are interrelated. As a prerequisite for the framework, we develop Network Automata, a generalization of Cellular Automata, which in itself is capable of replicating many familiar network models as shown. To demonstrate the Functional Dynamic Network in action, we develop a simple biologically inspired model of fungal growth