Highly nonlinear dynamics in 1D granular metamaterials: anomalous interaction of solitary waves with interfaces*

One dimensional chains of uniform beads support the formation and propagation of a new type of highly nonlinear solitary waves with compact support. The interaction of these solitary waves with an interface between two strongly nonlinear discrete granular media results in novel dynamic phenomena. Here we present a detailed study of the behavior of the reflected and transmitted waves at the interface between two media composed of spherical beads with dramatically different elastic properties and the influence of the static precompression on their formation and propagation. The presence of static precompression can be effectively utilized to monitor the information flow through the interfaces. The formation of anomalous waves caused by the selective ability of the media to support compressive or rarefaction stationary pulses is presented for interfaces of various materials and investigated numerically and experimentally.