Topological rainbow trapping for elastic energy harvesting in graded SSH systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel elastic energy harvesting system combining graded metasurfaces with topological SSH models, creating robust edge states for efficient energy capture in elastic structures.

Contribution

It develops a new class of graded elastic metasurfaces integrating topological insulator concepts for enhanced energy harvesting capabilities.

Findings

Supports multiple topologically protected edge states

Achieves robust localized modes for energy harvesting

Extends SSH models to various elastic systems

Abstract

We amalgamate two fundamental designs from distinct areas of wave control in physics, and place them in the setting of elasticity. Graded elastic metasurfaces, so-called metawedges, are combined with the now classical Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model from the field of topological insulators. The resulting structures form one-dimensional graded-SSH-metawedges that support multiple, simultaneous, topologically protected edge states. These robust, enhanced localised modes are leveraged for applications in elastic energy harvesting using the piezoelectric effect. The designs we develop are first motivated by applying the SSH model to mass-loaded Kirchhoff-Love thin elastic plates. We then extend these ideas to using graded resonant rods, and create SSH models, coupled to elastic beams and full elastic half-spaces.