Experimental manipulation of intrinsic localized modes in macro-mechanical system

Abstract

A macro-mechanical cantilever array is proposed for experimental investigation of intrinsic localized modes (ILMs). The array is designed to have tunable on-site potentials that can be adjusted individually. Thus, it is easy to realize an array, in which an ILM can be excited. In addition, impurities can be induced in and removed from the array. Several ILMs were successfully generated by an external sinusoidal excitation, and the generated ILMs were manipulated by adding an impurity to the cantilever array. The manipulation mechanism is discussed numerically on the basis of the structure of phase space. Coexisting ILMs, unstable manifolds, and the domains of attraction of a stable ILM are shown for an ILM manipulated by adding an impurity.