We study the minimum-energy configuration of a d -dimensional elastic interface in a random potential tied to a harmonic spring. As a function of the spring position, the center of mass of the interface changes in discrete jumps, also called shocks or "static avalanches." We obtain analytically the distribution of avalanche sizes and its cumulants within an =4-d expansion from a tree and one-lo...

We study topological and dynamical properties in sheared granular media particularly when avalanches occur, i.e. at the abrupt increase of the total kinetic energy during the shear process. Our model considers irregular polygonal particles compressed between two moving plates. At the occurrence of an avalanche, we monitor the time evolution of the underlying contact force network. When all cont...

Recently Osorio et al [1] reported that probability distribution of epileptic seizure energies and inter-seizure intervals follow a power law with exponents 1.67 and 1.5 respectively. Earlier Beggs and Plenz [2] had observed spontaneous neuronal avalanches in neocortical tissues. The distribution of sizes of these avalanches, computed by summing local field potentials, followed a power law with...

A simple model for an interface moving in a disordered medium is presented. The model exhibits a transition between the two universality classes of interface growth in the presence of quenched disorder. Using this model, it is shown that the application of constraints to the local slopes of the interface produces avalanches of growth that become relevant in the vicinity of the depinning transit...