Approximate determination of the magnitude of the critical size in the problem of the evolution of an impact

The evolution of a nonlinear dynamic system after the action of a localized effect (impact) is examined. A semiquantitative method is suggested for determining the critical size of the impact upon exceeding which the diffusional mode of decay in the system is replaced by a wave mode of propagation. The use of the proposed technique to evaluate the critical size of an impact in a realistic model of an oceanic ecological system is demonstrated.P. P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Moscow. Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 66, No. 4, pp. 398–404, April, 1994.