Strongly nonlinear waves in a chain of Teflon beads

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that a chain of Teflon beads can support the propagation of strongly nonlinear solitary waves at very low speeds, revealing new insights into nonlinear wave dynamics in polymer-based phononic crystals.

Contribution

It introduces a novel polymer-based 'sonic vacuum' using Teflon beads, showing for the first time the support of strongly nonlinear solitary waves in such a system.

Findings

Supports propagation of strongly nonlinear solitary waves

Low wave speed observed in the Teflon chain

First demonstration of polymer-based sonic vacuum

Abstract

One dimensional "sonic vacuum" type phononic crystals were assembled from a chain of Teflon spheres with different diameters in a Teflon holder. It was demonstrated for the first time that this polymer-based "sonic vacuum", with exceptionally low elastic modulus of particles, supports propagation of strongly nonlinear solitary waves with a very low speed.