Synchronization of the asymmetrical system with three non-identical Kuramoto oscillators: models of solar meridional circulation

Kuramoto model of non-linearly coupled oscillators provides a simple but effective approach to the study of the synchronization phenomenon in complex systems. In the present article we consider a particular Kuramoto model with three non-identical oscillators associated with a multi-cell radial profile of the solar meridional circulation. The top and the bottom oscillators are coupled through the middle one. The main difference of the present Kuramoto model from the previous ones consists in the non-identical coupling: coupling coefficients which tie the middle oscillator with the top and the bottom ones are different. We investigate how the value of the coupling asymmetry of the middle oscillator influences the synchronization. In the present model the synchronization conditions appear to be different the classical Kuramoto model allowing the synchronization to be reached with weaker coupling. We perform a reconstruction of coupling coefficients from the phase difference between the top and the bottom oscillators, assuming that the synchronization is reached and the natural frequencies are known. The absolute cumulative coupling is uniquely determined by the phase difference between the top and the bottom oscillators and the coupling asymmetry of the middle oscillator. In general case, higher values of the coupling asymmetry of the middle oscillator correspond to lower cumulative coupling. A unique coupling reconstruction with unknown coupling asymmetry is possible in general case only for the weak cumulative coupling. Deviations from the general case are discussed. We perform a model simulation with natural frequencies estimated from the velocities of the solar meridional flow. Heliseismological observations of the deep flow may be attributed either to the middle cell or to the deep one. We discuss the difference between these two cases in terms of the coupling reconstruction.