Transient mode localization in coupled strongly nonlinear exactly solvable oscillators

Coupled strongly nonlinear oscillators, whose characteristic is close to linear for low amplitudes but becomes infinitely growing as the amplitude approaches certain limit, are considered in this paper. Such a model may serve for understanding the dynamics of elastic structures within the restricted space bounded by stiff constraints. In particular, this study focuses on the evolution of vibration modes as the energy is gradually pumped into or dissipates out of the system. For instance, based on the two degrees of freedom system, it is shown that the in-phase and out-of-phase motions may follow qualitatively different scenarios as the system’ energy increases. So the in-phase mode appears to absorb the energy with equipartition between the masses. In contrast, the out-of-phase mode provides equal energy distribution only until certain critical energy level. Then, as a result of bifurcation of the 1:1 resonance path, one of the masses becomes a dominant energy receiver in such a way that it takes the energy not only from the main source but also from another mass.