  We present a mesoscopic approach to granular crystal dynamics, which
comprises a three-dimensional finite-element model and a one-dimensional
regularized contact model. The approach investigates the role of
vibrational-energy trapping effects in the dynamic behavior of one-dimensional
chains of particles in contact (i.e., granular crystals), under small to
moderate impact velocities. The only inputs of the models are the geometry and
the elastic material properties of the individual particles that form the
system. We present detailed verification results and validate the model
comparing its predictions with experimental data. This approach provides a
physically sound, first-principle description of dissipative losses in granular
systems.
