Computer simulation of a two-dimensional Potts model with competing exchange interactions

Abstract

The phase transitions and thermodynamic properties of the two-dimensional Potts model with the number of spin states $q = 4$ on a hexagonal lattice with competing exchange interactions have been investigated on the basis of the Wang-Landau algorithm by the Monte Carlo method. It is shown that taking into account the antiferromagnetic interactions of the next-nearest neighbors leads to a violation of the magnetic ordering and to the appearance of frustration.