Dynamics of Nonlinear Lattices

Abstract

In this topical review we explore the dynamics of nonlinear lattices with a particular focus to Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou type models that arise in the study of elastic media and, more specifically, granular crystals. We first revisit the workhorse of such lattices, namely traveling waves, both from a continuum, but also from a genuinely discrete perspective, both without and with a linear force component (induced by the so-called precompression). We then extend considerations to time-periodic states, examining dark breather structures in homogeneous crystals, as well as bright breathers in diatomic lattices. The last pattern that we consider extensively is the dispersive shock wave arising in the context of suitable Riemann (step) initial data. We show how the use of continuum (KdV) and discrete (Toda) integrable approximations can be used to get a first quantitative handle of the relevant waveforms. In all cases, theoretical analysis is accompanied by numerical computations and, where possible, by a recap and illustration of prototypical experimental results. We close the chapter by offering a number of ongoing and potential future directions and associated open problems in the field.