Three-state Potts model on triangular lattice with nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor antiferromagnetic interactions

Using Monte Carlo simulations, we investigated phase transitions and frustrations in the three-state Potts model on a triangular lattice with allowance for antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between nearest-neighbors J1 and next-nearest-neighbors J2. The ratio of the next-nearest-neighbor and nearest-neighbor exchange constants r=J2/J1 is chosen within the range of 0≤r≤2. Based on the analysis of the entropy, specific heat, system state density function, and fourth order Binder cumulants, the phase transitions in the Potts model with interactions J1<0 and J2<0 are shown to be found in value ranges of 0≤r<0.2 and 1.25≤r≤2.0. In an intermediate range of 0.2≤r≤1.0 the phase transition fails and the frustrations are revealed.