We investigate the dynamics of highly polydisperse finite granular chains. From the spatiospectral properties of small vibrations, we identify which particular single-particle displacements lead to energy localization. Then, we address a fundamental question: Do granular nonlinearities and the resulting chaotic dynamics destroy this energy localization? Our numerical simulations show that for moderate nonlinearities, the overall system behaves chaotically, and spreading of energy occurs. However, long-lasting chaotic energy localization is observed for particular single-particle excitations in the presence of the nonsmooth nonlinearities. On the other hand, for sufficiently strong nonlinearities, the granular chain reaches energy equipartition. In this case, an equilibrium chaotic state is reached independent of the initial position excitation.

• Received 2 July 2017
• Revised 20 October 2017

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.97.042220