Standard map-like models for single and multiple walkers in an annular cavity

Abstract

Recent experiments on walking droplets in an annular cavity showed the existence of complex dynamics including chaotically changing velocity. This article presents models, influenced by the kicked rotator/standard map, for both single and multiple droplets. The models are shown to achieve both qualitative and quantitative agreement with the experiments, and makes predictions about heretofore unobserved behavior. Using dynamical systems techniques and bifurcation theory, the single droplet model is analyzed to prove dynamics suggested by the numerical simulations.