Generation of Impulses from Single Frequency Inputs Using Non-linear Propagation in Spherical Chains

This paper investigates the use of chains of spheres to produce impulses. An ultrasonic horn is used to generate high amplitude sinusoidal signals. These are then input into chains of spheres, held together using a minimal force. The result is a non-linear, dispersive system, within which solitary waves can exist. The authors have discovered that resonances can be created, caused by the multiple reflection of solitary waves within the chain. The multiply-reflecting impulses can have a wide bandwidth, due to the inherent nonlinearity of the contact between spheres. It is found that the effect only occurs for certain numbers of spheres in the chain for a given input frequency, a result of the creation of a nonlinear normal mode of resonance. The resulting impulses have many applications, potentially creating high amplitude impulses with adjustable properties, depending on both the nature and number of spheres in the chain, and the frequency and amplitude of excitation.