Accession Number:

ADA230022

Title:

Dynamics of Solitary Waves Induced by Shock Impulses in a Linear Atomic Chain

Descriptive Note:

Interim technical rept. no. 10, 1 Oct 1989-30 Sep 1990

Corporate Author:

NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Tran, Phuoc X.
• Brenner, D. W.
• White, C. T.

Report Date:

1990-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

12.0

Abstract:

The propagation of nonlinear waves induced by a shock impulse in a linear atomic chain of finite but large length is investigated numerically with a model interatomic potential. The shock impulse is initiated by giving the first atom in the chain an initial velocity vi toward its neighbor. We find that there exists a velocity such that a solution is produced by this impulse with a constant energy and supersonic velocity. Studies of the motion of the atom during the passage of this soliton reveal a behavior similar to that expected from the collision of hard spheres. However the induced pulse propagates below the speed of sound and gradually disperses through the emission of phonons. Finally, in agreement with earlier studies using other model potentials, we find that a soliton can be generated with sufficient energy to spall an atom from the end of the chain.

Descriptors:

• *EMISSION
• DYNAMICS
• SHOCK WAVES
• ENERGY
• ATOMS
• SPHERES
• NONLINEAR SYSTEMS
• PULSES
• WAVE PROPAGATION
• LENGTH
• SHOCK
• CHAINS
• PHONONS
• ACOUSTIC VELOCITY
• COLLISIONS
• MODELS

Subject Categories:

• Nuclear Power Plants and Fission Reactor Engineering

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE