Breaking of forward-backward symmetry in driven systems

Flow properties of driven-diffusive lattice gases: theory and computer simulation

We develop n-cluster mean-field theories (1 < or = n < or = 4) for calculating the flux and the gap distribution in the nonequilibrium steady states of the Katz-Lebowitz-Spohn model of the driven diffusive lattice gas, with attractive and repulsive interparticle interactions, in both one and two dimensions for arbitrary particle densities, temperature as well as the driving field. We compare our theoretical results with the corresponding numerical data we have obtained from the computer simulations to demonstrate the level of accuracy of our theoretical predictions. We also compare our results with those for some other prototype models, notably particle-hopping models of vehicular traffic, to demonstrate the qualitative features we have observed in the Katz-Lebowitz-Spohn model, emphasizing, in particular, the consequences of repulsive interparticle interactions.

Phase transitions in the kinetic ising model with competing dynamics

We study the nonequilibrium phase diagram and critical properties of a two-dimensional kinetic Ising model with competing Glauber and Kawasaki dynamics suggested by Tome and de Oliveira [Phys. Rev. A 40, 6643 (1989)]. The role of the Kawasaki dynamics, chosen with probability 1-p, is to simulate a permanent energy flux into the system. The theoretical prediction for the phase diagram is improved significantly by using four- and six-point dynamical mean-field approximations. Monte Carlo simulations support that the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition changes from second to first order for sufficiently small p. The antiferromagnetic phase is found to be stable for a nonzero value of p even at T=0.