Dynamical transitions in a driven diffusive model with interactions

Abstract: We study the dynamics of an asymmetric simple exclusion process with open boundaries and local interactions using a pair approximation which generalizes the 2-node cluster mean field theory and the Markov chain approach to kinetics and shares with these approaches the property of reproducing exact results for the bulk current-density relation and the steady state phase diagrams. We find that the relaxation rate exhibits a dynamical transition, with no static counterpart, analogous to that found without interactions. Remarkably, for some values of the model's parameters, we find 2 dynamical transitions in the same low density phase. We study the dynamics of relaxation to the steady state on both sides of these transitions and make an attempt at providing a physical interpretation for this phenomenon. Results from numerical approaches and a modified Domain Wall Theory confirm the picture provided by the pair approximation.