Mixed-Mode Chimera states in Pendula Networks

TL;DR

This paper discovers and characterizes mixed-mode chimera states in networks of identical pendula with global phase-lagged coupling, revealing complex multistable dynamics and potential applications in modeling neural working memory.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of mixed-mode chimera states in pendula networks and provides a detailed analysis of their emergence, stability, and coexistence in various parameter regimes.

Findings

Identification of five characteristic system behaviors including mixed-mode chimeras.

Demonstration of multistability with up to four coexisting states.

Analysis of minimal three-pendula system revealing core dynamics.

Abstract

We report the emergence of peculiar chimera states in networks of identical pendula with global phase-lagged coupling. The states reported include both rotating and quiescent modes, i.e. with non-zero and zero average frequencies. This kind mixed-mode chimeras may be interpreted as images of bump states known in neuroscience in the context of modelling the working memory. We illustrate this striking phenomenon for a network of N=100 coupled pendula, followed by a detailed description of the minimal non-trivial case of N=3. Parameter regions for five characteristic types of the system behavior are identified consisting: two mixed-mode chimeras with one and two rotating pendula, classical weak chimera with all three pendula rotating, synchronous rotation and quiescent state. The network dynamics is multistable: up to four of the states can coexist in the system phase state as demonstrated through the basins of attraction. The analysis suggests that the robust mixed-mode chimera states can generically describe the complex dynamics of diverse pendula-like systems widespread in nature.