Monte Carlo simulation of phase transitions in a two-dimensional random-bond Potts model

Using the ``multihit'' Swendsen-Wang cluster flipping method, we performed extensive Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the critical behavior of the two-dimensional (2D) eight-state random-bond Potts model. We applied finite-size-scaling techniques to extract the critical exponents for two different sets of bond strengths, from which we concluded that the transition is second order with critical exponents for both sets falling into same universality class, that of a 2D Ising model. A variation of the Lee-Kosterlitz method for determining the order of a phase transition was also applied. The double-peaked structure of the specific heat, which was found in some of the bond configurations, was also studied by simulation on periodic arrangements of strong and weak bonds.