Nonanalytic twist maps and Frenkel-Kontorova models (Q1339253)

Frenkel-Kontorova model is a simple theoretical tool used to investigate the so called commensurate-incommensurate phase transitions in a number of physical condense matter systems. They are in a qualitative correspondence with chaotic transitions (breakup of an invariant curve displays similarity to a second-order phase transition with well defined critical exponents). The paper offers a review of recent work on nonanalytic twist maps and Frenkel-Kontorova models: the recurrence of invariant curves in nonanalytic twist maps is studied first, together with their local and global scaling behaviours. Next, the nonanalytic Frenkel-Kontorova model and its critical behaviour is considered. The study reveals a surprisingly rich critical behaviour of invariant curves: they can reappear after they have disappeared. This recurrence of invariant curves corresponds in the Frenkel-Kontorova model to a sequence of pinning and depinning transitions. Possibly of relevance to physical systems exhibiting a sequence of metal-insulator transitions.