Pattern selection in parametrically-driven arrays of nonlinear resonators

We study the problem of pattern selection in an array of parametrically-driven nonlinear resonators with application to microelectromechanical and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS & NEMS), using an amplitude equation recently derived by Bromberg, Cross, and Lifshitz [PRE 73, 016214 (2006)]. We describe the transitions between standing-wave patterns of different wave numbers as the drive amplitude is varied either quasistatically, abruptly, or as a linear ramp in time. We find novel hysteretic effects, which are confirmed by numerical integration of the original equations of motion of the interacting nonlinear resonators.