Stepwise structure of Lyapunov spectra for many-particle systems using a random matrix dynamics

The structure of the Lyapunov spectra for the many-particle systems with a random interaction between the particles is discussed. The dynamics of the tangent space is expressed as a master equation, which leads to a formula that connects the positive Lyapunov exponents and the time correlations of the particle interaction matrix. Applying this formula to one- and two-dimensional models we investigate the stepwise structure of the Lyapunov spectra that appear in the region of small positive Lyapunov exponents. Long range interactions lead to a clear separation of the Lyapunov spectra into a part exhibiting stepwise structure and a part changing smoothly. The part of the Lyapunov spectrum containing the stepwise structure is clearly distinguished by a wave-like structure in the eigenstates of the particle interaction matrix. The two-dimensional model has the same step widths as found numerically in a deterministic chaotic system of many hard disks.