Nonlinear resonances and energy transfer in finite granular chains.

In the present work we test experimentally and compute numerically the stability and dynamics of harmonically driven monoatomic granular chains composed of an increasing number of particles N(N=1-50). In particular, we investigate the inherent effects of dissipation and finite size on the evolution of bifurcation instabilities in the statically compressed case. The findings of the study suggest that the nonlinear bifurcation phenomena, which arise due to finite size, can be useful for efficient energy transfer away from the drive frequency in transmitted waves.