Damage spreading in confined geometries and the influence of boundary conditions: a Monte Carlo study of the Ising ferromagnet

The spreading of damage in the Ising ferromagnet in two-dimensional confine d geometries of size L x M (L much less than M) close to the critical tempe rature is studied by means of computer simulations. Imposing both, periodic and open boundary conditions along the M-direction, the influence of the i nterfaces between domains of spins having opposite orientation on the sprea ding of damage can be studied. Analyzing the spatio-temporal evolution of t he damage, it is found that such interfaces not only considerably speed-up the spreading but also cause the enhancement of the damaged area of the sam ple. These statements are based on the evaluation of relevant exponents whi ch characterize the spatio-temporal spreading of the damage. (C) 2001 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.