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, using an amplitude equation recently derived by Bromberg, Cross and Lifshitz Phys. Rev. E 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 interesting hysteretic effects, which are confirmed by numerical integration of the original equations of motion of the interacting nonlinear resonators.