Finite amplitude waves in jammed matter

Here we use simulations and theory to show that, close to the jamming point, an arbitrary initial distortion of a granular media induces the formation of forward and backward non-linear finite amplitude waves. There are two regimes in the evolution of these waves (near field and far field). Initially, non-linear interactions between forward and backward waves dominate the propagation, leading to complex early evolution (near field). At longer times, forward and backwards waves cease interacting in the far field, and the propagation enters a new regime. Here the waves acquire a triangular-like profile, and evolve in a self-similar fashion characterized by a power law attenuation, whose exponent is weakly dependent on the initial pressure of the system. The finite amplitude waves gradually become linear waves when the amplitude of the initial distortion decreases, or the confining pressure on the system increases.