Eur. Phys. J. B (2013) 86: 388
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2013-40637-6

Regular Article

Equivalence of the train model of earthquake and boundary driven Edwards-Wilkinson interface

¹ Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, 700064 Kolkata, India
² The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, CIT Campus, Taramani, 600113 Chennai, India

^a e-mail: soumyajyoti.biswas@saha.ac.in

Received: 1 July 2013
Received in final form: 13 August 2013
Published online: 18 September 2013

Abstract

A discretized version of the Burridge-Knopoff train model with (non-linear friction force replaced by) random pinning is studied in one and two dimensions. A scale free distribution of avalanches and the Omori law type behaviour for after-shocks are obtained. The avalanche dynamics of this model becomes precisely similar (identical exponent values) to the Edwards-Wilkinson (EW) model of interface propagation. It also allows the complimentary observation of depinning velocity growth (with exponent value identical with that for EW model) in this train model and Omori law behaviour of after-shock (depinning) avalanches in the EW model.