Abstract
We aim to study how the interplay between the effects of nonlinearity and heterogeneity can influence on the distribution and localization of energy in discrete lattice-type structures. As the classical example, vibrations of a cubically nonlinear elastic lattice are considered. In contrast with many other authors, who dealt with infinite and periodic lattices, we examine a finite-size model. Supposing the length of the lattice to be much larger than the distance between the particles, continuous macroscopic equations suitable to describe both low- and high-frequency motions are derived. Acoustic and optical vibrations are studied asymptotically by the method of multiple time scales. For numerical simulations, the Runge-Kutta fourth-order method is employed. Internal resonances and energy exchange between the vibrating modes are predicted and analysed. It is shown that the decrease in the number of particles restricts energy transfers to higher-order modes and prevents the equipartition of energy between all degrees of freedom. The conditions for a possible reduction in the original nonlinear system are also discussed.