  We investigate the behaviour of (p,q) string networks, focusing on two
aspects: (1) modelling more realistic (p,q) string networks than the Z_N
networks used so far and (2) investigating the effect of long-range
interactions on the evolution of the network. We model the network with no
long-range interactions using two sets of fields, complex scalars coupled to
gauge fields, with a potential chosen such that the two types of strings will
form bound states. This way we can model junctions of 3 strings with different
tension; in Z_N models used so far in simulations all the strings have
identical tensions. In order to introduce long-range interactions we also study
a network in which one of the scalars forms global strings. We observe that in
the absence of long-range interactions the formation of bound states has a
significant influence on the evolution of the network. When long-range
interactions are turned on the bound states are short-lived and have a minimal
effect on the network evolution.
