A variational equations approach to the onset of statistical intramolecular energy transfer

Recent developments in mathematics and statistical mechanics indicate that efficient intramolecular energy transfer in coupled anharmonic oscillator systems can only occur above a critical energy Ec. A simple method for computing Ec is proposed and is applied to the Barbanis, Henon–Heiles, Tredgold, and Thiele–Wilson systems. The critical energy for these systems is shown to be easily and accurately predicted by this technique.