Measuring α-FPUT Cores and Tails

Abstract

Almost 70 years ago, the Fermi–Pasta–Ulam–Tsingou (FPUT) paradox was formulated in, observed in, and reported using normal modes of a nonlinear, one-dimensional, non-integrable string. Let us recap the paradox. One normal mode is excited, which drives three or four more normal modes in the core. Then, that is it for quite a long time. So why are many normal modes staying weakly excited in the tail? Furthermore, how many? A quantitative, analytical answer to the latter question is given here using resonances and secular avalanches A comparison with the previous numerical data is made and extremely good agreement is found.