Nonperturbative aspects of the QCD analytic invariant charge

In the framework of the analytic approach to Quantum Chromodynamics a new model for the strong running coupling has recently been developed. Its underlying idea is to impose the analyticity requirement on the perturbative expansion of the renormalization group $\beta$ function for restoring the correct analytic properties of the latter. The proposed model possesses a number of appealing features. Namely, the analytic invariant charge has no unphysical singularities at any loop level; it contains no free parameters; it has universal behavior both in ultraviolet and infrared regions at any loop level; and it possesses a fair higher loop and scheme stability. The extension of this model to the timelike region revealed the asymmetrical behavior of the running coupling in the intermediate- and low-energy domains of spacelike and timelike regions, that is essential when one handles the experimental data. The developed approach enables one to describe, in a consistent way, various strong interaction processes both of perturbative and intrinsically nonperturbative nature.Comment: Talk given at Tenth International QCD Conference (QCD 03), 2 - 9 July 2003, Montpellier, France; LaTeX2e, 4 pages, 4 EPS figure

Scattering of solitary waves in granular media

A detailed numerical study of the scattering of solitary waves by a barrier, in a granular media with Hertzian contact, shows the existence of secondary multipulse structures generated at the interface of two "sonic vacua", which have a similar structure as the one previously found by Nesterenko and coworkers.Comment: 4 pages, 9 figures (fig 5, replaced). Submitted to PR

Anomalous wave reflection from the interface of two strongly nonlinear granular media

Granular materials exhibit a strongly nonlinear behaviour affecting the propagation of information in the medium. Dynamically self-organized strongly nonlinear solitary waves are the main information carriers in granular chains. Here we report the first experimental observation of the dramatic change of reflectivity from the interface of two granular media triggered by a noncontact magnetically induced initial precompression. It may be appropriate to name this phenomenon the "acoustic diode" effect. Based on numerical simulations, we explain this effect by the high gradient of particle velocity near the interface.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figure