Node connectivity and arc connectivity of a fuzzy graph

The fuzzy graph approach is more powerful in cluster analysis than the usual graph – theoretic approach due to its ability to handle the strengths of arcs effectively. The concept of node-strength sequence is introduced and is studied in a complete fuzzy graph. Two new connectivity parameters in fuzzy graphs namely, fuzzy node connectivity ðjÞ and fuzzy arc connectivity ðj0Þ are introduced and obtained the fuzzy analogue of Whitney’s theorem. Fuzzy node cut, fuzzy arc cut and fuzzy bond are defined. Fuzzy bond is a special type of a fuzzy bridge. It is proved that at least one of the end nodes of a fuzzy bond is a fuzzy cutnode. It is shown that j 1⁄4 j0 for a fuzzy tree and it is the minimum of the strengths of its strong arcs. The relationships of the new parameters with already existing vertex and edge connectivity parameters are studied and is shown that the value of all these parameters are equal in a compete fuzzy graph. Also a new clustering technique based on fuzzy arc connectivity is introduced. 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.