Traveling and standing waves in coupled pendula and Newton's cradle (Q513880)

The author considers the title problem by using topological methods and several theorems developed in the paper. A ``coupled pendula'' is a set of hanging bars affixed at their upper ends to a horizontal elastic rod which resists pendula motion by torsion. ``Newton's cradle'' is a system of beads suspended by inelastic strings. The beads can oscillate as simple pendula without collison, or they can collide and repel each other. The analysis is simplified and enabled by the use of linear moments and forces. The paper consists primarily in the development of the solution method. Consequently the paper is primarily theoretical, but it could also be of interest and use to practitioners.