Von Neumann's expanding model on random graphs

Within the framework of Von Neumann's expanding model, we study the maximum growth rate rho* achievable by an autocatalytic reaction network in which reactions involve a finite (fixed or fluctuating) number D of reagents. rho* is calculated numerically using a variant of the Minover algorithm, and analytically via the cavity method for disordered systems. As the ratio between the number of reactions and that of reagents increases the system passes from a contracting (rho* < 1) to an expanding regime (rho* > 1). These results extend the scenario derived in the fully connected model (D -> infinity), with the important difference that, generically, larger growth rates are achievable in the expanding phase for finite D and in more diluted networks. Moreover, the range of attainable values of rho* shrinks as the connectivity increases.