Abstract
Nonreciprocity can be passively achieved by harnessing material nonlinearities. In particular, networks of nonlinear bistable elements with asymmetric energy landscapes have recently been shown to support unidirectional transition waves. However, in these systems energy can be transferred only when the elements switch from the higher to the lower energy well, allowing for a one-time signal transmission. Here, we show that in a mechanical metamaterial comprising a 1D array of bistable arches nonreciprocity and reversibility can be independently programmed and are not mutually exclusive. By connecting shallow arches with symmetric energy wells and decreasing energy barriers, we design a reversible mechanical diode that can sustain multiple signal transmissions. Further, by alternating arches with symmetric and asymmetric energy landscapes we realize a nonreciprocal chain that enables propagation of different transition waves in opposite directions.
Highlights
Nonreciprocity can be passively achieved by harnessing material nonlinearities
Mechanical metamaterials with two or more stable equilibrium states have recently emerged as a powerful platform to realize nonreciprocity, as they support only unidirectional transition wave propagation when comprising an array of bistable building blocks with asymmetric energy wells[19,31,32,33,34]
A reversible diode can be created by assembling elements with symmetric on-site energy potentials but decreasing energy barriers
Summary
Nonreciprocity can be passively achieved by harnessing material nonlinearities. In particular, networks of nonlinear bistable elements with asymmetric energy landscapes have recently been shown to support unidirectional transition waves. A tunable 1D nonreciprocal chain, which enables propagation of different transition waves in opposite directions, can be obtained by alternating shallow arches with symmetric and asymmetric energy potentials (Fig. 1c).
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