Thermalization of one-dimensional classical lattices: beyond the weakly interacting regime

Abstract Thermalization in many-body systems, especially with strong interactions, is a central question in physics. In this work, we present a novel framework for the thermalization of interacting wave systems, distinguishing between trivial (no momentum exchange) and nontrivial interactions (significant energy redistribution). This distinction leads to a statistically equivalent model with weakened interactions. By applying this to FPUT-like models, we identify a unique double scaling of thermalization times. Crucially, our findings suggest the persistence of prethermalization in strong interactions.