Experimental validation of phase space conduits of transition between potential wells

A phase space boundary between transition and nontransition trajectories, similar to those observed in Hamiltonian systems with rank-1 saddles, is verified experimentally in a macroscopic system. We present a validation of the phase space flux across rank-1 saddles connecting adjacent potential wells, and we confirm the underlying phase space conduits that mediate the transition. Experimental regions of transition are found to agree with the theory to within 1%, suggesting the robustness of phase space conduits of transition in a broad array of two or more degrees of freedom experimental systems, despite the presence of small dissipation.

Duke Scholars

Author Lawrence N. Virgin Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...