A metastable modular structural system for adaptive nonreciprocal wave propagation

Abstract

In this research, we present a novel approach to achieve adaptive nonreciprocal wave propagation by exploiting the concept of metastable modular metastructures or metamaterials. Numerical studies on a 1D metastable chain provide clear evidence that such unconventional wave transmission characteristics is facilitated through both nonlinearity and spatial asymmetry of strategically configured constituents. Due to a synergistic product of assembling together metastable modules, modules that exhibit coexisting stable states for the same topology, recent investigations have demonstrated remarkable programmability of properties afforded via transitioning amongst these metastable states. In the context of wave transmission, such massive property adaptation provides unprecedented bandgap tuning opportunities and therefore enables the adaptivity of nonreciprocal wave propagation. In addition to metastable states, influence of wave amplitude and frequency on the existence and adaptation of nonreciprocal wave transmission is also parametrically explored. Overall, this investigation elucidates the rich dynamics achievable by nonlinearity and metastabilities, and creates a new class of adaptive structural and material systems capable of achieving tunable bandgaps and nonreciprocal wave transmissions.