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arXiv · 2401.12817

Interplay between an absorbing phase transition and synchronization in a driven granular system

R. Maire·A. Plati·M. Stockinger·E. Trizac·F. Smallenburg·G. Foffi
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Abstract

Absorbing phase transitions (APTs) are widespread in non-equilibrium systems, spanning condensed matter, epidemics, earthquakes, ecology, and chemical reactions. APTs feature an absorbing state in which the system becomes entrapped, along with a transition, either continuous or discontinuous, to an active state. Understanding which physical mechanisms determine the order of these transitions represents a challenging open problem in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. Here, by numerical simulations and mean-field analysis, we show that a quasi-2d vibrofluidized granular system exhibits a novel form of APT. The absorbing phase is observed in the horizontal dynamics below a critical packing fraction, and can be continuous or discontinuous based on the emergent degree of synchronization in the vertical motion. Our results provide a direct representation of a feasible experimental scenario, showcasing a surprising interplay between dynamic phase transition and synchronization.

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R. Maire, A. Plati, M. Stockinger, E. Trizac, F. Smallenburg, G. Foffi. 2024-01-23. Interplay between an absorbing phase transition and synchronization in a driven granular system. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.132.238202

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