Inelastic scattering of Toda solitons by an interface (Q1819450)

We consider an infinite Toda lattice in which the spring constant on one half differs from the spring constant on the other half. The equations are solved numerically for initial conditions representing a soliton travelling from the left. The resulting (inelastic) scattering by the interface is studied for a variety of incident energies and spring stiffness contrast. We find a markedly different behaviour for incidence on a softer or harder lattice. In the latter case there is efficient soliton generation, with very little energy going into radiation.