Generic slow relaxation in a stochastic sandpile

TL;DR

This paper investigates slow relaxation phenomena in a stochastic sandpile model, revealing stretched-exponential decay in activity and persistence, and suggesting a link to structural glasses.

Contribution

It demonstrates slow, stretched-exponential relaxation in stochastic sandpiles and proposes a connection to glassy dynamics, extending understanding of non-equilibrium relaxation.

Findings

Activity decays as a stretched exponential

Persistence probability also exhibits stretched exponential decay

Results suggest a link between sandpile models and structural glasses

Abstract

Simulations of a stochastic fixed-energy sandpile in one and two dimensions reveal slow relaxation of the order parameter, even far from the critical point. The decay of the activity is best described by a stretched-exponential form. The persistence probability (for a site not to have toppled up to time t), also exhibits stretched-exponential relaxation. The results suggest a connection between sandpile models and structural glasses.