Transition Waves in One-Dimensional Periodic Bistable Mass-Spring Chains

Abstract

The propagation of transition waves in multi-stable mechanical systems can be effectively harnessed in various fields, such as mechanical signal communication, mechanical diodes, and energy absorption. In this work, the propagation of transition waves in a one-dimensional (1D) bistable mass-spring chain is systematically studied. The underlying physical mechanism for the formation and propagation of transition waves is clarified, and the influences of some crucial factors, such as the pumped momentum, stiffness of the connecting springs, viscous damping, number of masses, and asymmetry of the double-well potential, on the propagation of transition waves are discussed in detail. As a result, the parameter space for achieving the robust propagation of transition waves through the whole chain is presented. This study is expected to be beneficial for the control of transition waves and design of novel devices used for mechanical signal transmission.