Effective dynamics in lattices with random mass perturbations

Abstract

We consider a one-dimensional mono-atomic lattice with random perturbations of masses spread over a finite number of particles. Assuming Newtonian dynamics and linear nearest-neighbour interactions and allowing for a provision of pinning due to substrate interaction, we discuss a transient dynamics problem and a time-harmonic transmission problem. By a stochastic, multiscale analysis we provide asymptotic expressions for the displacement field that propagates through the random perturbations and for the time-harmonic transmission coefficients. These theoretical predictions are supported by illustrations of their agreements with numerical simulations.