Discrete Breathers in a One-Dimensional Granular Metamaterial: Linear Lattice with Nonlinear Local Resonators

We report on the existence of discrete breathers in a model of a one-dimensional, locally-resonant granular met material composed of a linear lattice with nonlinear local resonators. Using numerical continuation, we compute a discrete breather solution that bifurcates from a small amplitude Eigen mode with frequency at the lower edge of the optical band. The displacement profile of this breather is localized around a single lattice site. We use direct numerical integration of the equations of motion to demonstrate that the breather persists for many cycles with little radiation.