Random tilings of high symmetry. I: Mean-field theory (Q811901)

The paper, together with its follow-up (pp. 837--873) develops both analytical and numerical methods for the study of random rhombus tilings in two dimensions. As simple quasicrystal models, these tiling systems are investigated by means of standard statistical mechanics methods, like e.g. the mean-field theory, thermodynamic limit and configurational entropy. The role of boundary conditions (free, fixed or periodic) is analyzed. The entropy input is relevant for the yet incomplete understanding of the inter-tile interactions that may favor particular tile arrangements against the others. All tilings considered in part I of the paper are free boundary tilings, fixed boundary tilings are analyzed by computer simulations in part II of the paper. The paper develops an iterative tiling construction, inspired by earlier papers due to \textit{N. G. de Bruijn} [Indag. Math. 43, 39--52 (1981; Zbl 0457.05021) and J. Phys. France 47, C3-9 (1986)].