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Session W22: Applications to Networks and Organized Systems

2:30 PM–4:54 PM, Thursday, March 8, 2007
Colorado Convention Center Room: 108

Sponsoring Unit: GSNP
Chair: John Rundle, University of California, Davis

Abstract ID: BAPS.2007.MAR.W22.5

Abstract: W22.00005 : Self-organized criticality of elastic networks

3:18 PM–3:30 PM

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Authors:

Mykyta V. Chubynsky
M.-A. Bri\`ere
Normand Mousseau
(D\'epartement de physique and RQCHP, Universit\'e de Montr\'eal, Montr\'eal, Qu\'ebec, Canada)

We consider a model of elastic network self-organization inspired by studies of covalent glasses [1,2]. In the model, networks self-organize by avoiding stress whenever possible, but otherwise are random. Instead of a single rigidity percolation transition, with percolation always absent below a certain bond concentration and always present above, we find that the percolating rigid cluster exists with a probability between 0 and 1 in a finite range of bond concentrations, the {\it intermediate phase}. A power-law distribution of non-percolating cluster sizes, normally observed at a single critical point in percolation transitions, is seen everywhere in the intermediate phase. There is also a finite probability of percolation appearing and disappearing upon the application of a microscopic perturbation (addition or removal of a single bond). These properties indicate that in this phase the network maintains itself in a critical state on the verge of rigidity, a signature of self-organized criticality, but in a system at equilibrium.\\ \noindent [1] M.V. Chubynsky, M.-A. Bri\`ere and N. Mousseau, Phys. Rev. E 74, 016116 (2006)\\ \noindent [2] M.-A. Bri\`ere, M.V. Chubynsky and N. Mousseau, cond-mat/0610557

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2007.MAR.W22.5