Theoretical and Simulation Studies of a Driven Diffusive System

Abstract

We explore steady-state properties of a driven lattice gas, which is a simple model of <p> interacting many-particle systems, driven far from equilibrium by an external field. First,<p> we study a system on a square lattice with periodic boundary conditions (PBC) along <p> both principal lattice axes, while the drive acts along only one of these axes. For such <p> systems, we analyze the full distribution of structure factors. Next, we investigate the <p> effects of imposing other boundary conditions on the system. In particular, we focus on <p> models with shifted periodic boundary conditions (SPBC) along one axis and open <p> boundary conditions (OBC) along the other axis. The OBC allow us to have a steady flux <p> of particles through the system while the SPBC permits us to drive the system in a range <p> of possibilities. Using Monte Carlo simulation techniques, we discover a rich variety of <p> phenomena, especially at low temperatures. A continuum theory for the densities, based <p> on Langevin equations, is formulated and its predictions compared to simulation data.<p> Many large scale properties are described successfully.