Wave–wave interactions in a periodic chain with quadratic nonlinearity

Abstract

Two waves are studied using perturbation analysis for their interactions in an one-dimensional periodic structure with quadratic nonlinearity. A first-order multiple-scales analysis along with numerical simulations on the full chain are used to understand the interaction of two waves when one is the sub- or super-harmonic of the other. The strength of quadratic nonlinearity affects the rate at which the energy is exchanged between the two waves. Depending on parameters and energy states, the interactions between the waves are periodic or whirling and result in quasi-periodic combined propagating waves with either phase drifts or weakly phase-locking properties. The analysis suggests the possibility of the existence of emergent wave harmonics. Due to quadratic nonlinearity, a very small amplitude subharmonic or superharmonic wave mode can drift in its phase, and then burst out with a larger amplitude as it circumnavigates a separatrix. Depending on the parameters and wave numbers, the amplitude of this emergent wave burst can have varying significance.