  We present initial results regarding the existence, stability and interaction
of linear and nonlinear vibrational modes in a system of two coupled, one
dimensional lattices with unequal numbers of masses. The effects on these
nonlinear modes of coupling a near continuum system to a discrete system using
a nonlinear coupling are examined. This numerical model is a first step towards
investigating the dynamical behavior of a flexible sheet coupled nonlinearly to
a semi-rigid support, a system which could conceivably represent a biological
cell membrane with a supporting protein network. General implications for the
dynamical behavior of continuum systems coupled nonlinearly to discrete systems
are introduced.
