EFFECT OF RANDOMNESS IN MANY COUPLED POTTS MODELS

Using 2-loop renormalization group calculations, we study a system of N two-dimensional Potts models with random bonds coupled together by t heir local energy density. This model can be seen as a generalization of the random Ashkin-Teller model. We found that, depending on the sig n of the coupling term, the universality class of the system in the pr esence of randomness is different. Under particular consideration, thi s model presents an example of a first-order phase transition rounded by randomness.