Angular Dependence of Highly Nonlinear Pulse Splitting in a Two Dimensional Granular Network

We investigate experimentally and numerically the propagation of highly nonlinear signals in a branched two-dimensional granular system composed by chains of uniform spherical beads. The system consists of a Y-shaped guide with various branch angles in which stainless steel spheres are arranged. We study the dynamic behavior of a solitary pulse crossing the bifurcated interface, and splitting between the two branches. We report for the first time the dependence of the split pulses' speed on the branch angles. Numerical simulations based on Hertzian interaction between the particles are found in agreement with the experimental data.