Steady-state selection in driven diffusive systems with open boundaries

Abstract

We investigate the stationary states of one-dimensional driven diffusive\nsystems, coupled to boundary reservoirs with fixed particle densities. We argue\nthat the generic phase diagram is governed by an extremal principle for the\nmacroscopic current irrespective of the local dynamics. In particular, we\npredict a minimal current phase for systems with local minimum in the\ncurrent--density relation. This phase is explained by a dynamical phenomenon,\nthe branching and coalescence of shocks, Monte-Carlo simulations confirm the\ntheoretical scenario.\n