Theoretical and Simulation Studies of a Driven Diffusive System

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