Observations of symmetry induced topological mode steering in a reconfigurable elastic plate

TL;DR

This paper experimentally studies how symmetry influences topological wave guiding in a reconfigurable elastic plate, revealing mode coupling effects on wave transport around bends.

Contribution

It provides detailed experimental insights into the valley-Hall effect and mode coupling in structured elastic plates, advancing understanding of topological wave control.

Findings

Mode coupling affects wave transport in elastic plates.

Symmetry plays a crucial role in topological mode steering.

Detailed measurements reveal differences in wave behavior around bends.

Abstract

We experimentally investigate the valley-Hall effect for interfacial edge states, highlighting the importance of the modal patterns, between geometrically distinct regions within a structured elastic plate. These experiments, for vibration, are at a scale where detailed measurements are taken throughout the system and not just at the input/output ports; this exposes the coupling between geometrically distinct modes that underlie the differences between wave transport around gentle and sharp bends.