title: Nonlinearity from geometric interactions: a case example.
abstract: We propose a ladder model wherein dynamical nonlinearity arises from geometry. It includes two strings of particles which are set along rigid rails of a "railroad" and coupled by linear springs. Physical realizations of the model include dust-particle strings in plasma sheaths and chains of microparticles trapped in a strong optical lattice. The transverse couplings between the strings, along with the motion constraint imposed by the rails, generate nonlinearity. It gives rise to robust solitary waves, which are found analytically in the long-wavelength limit, and are obtained in simulations of the full system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Lederle Graduate Research Tower, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003-4515, USA.
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Kevrekidis
authors.forename: V V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Konotop
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Malomed
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Bishop