Programming nonreciprocity and reversibility in multistable mechanical metamaterials

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how to program nonreciprocity and reversibility independently in a 1D mechanical metamaterial, enabling multiple signal transmissions and bidirectional wave propagation through innovative design of bistable arches.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanical metamaterial design that allows independent control of nonreciprocity and reversibility, enabling reversible diodes and bidirectional transition wave propagation.

Findings

Reversible mechanical diode capable of multiple signal transmissions

Nonreciprocal chain supporting opposite transition waves

Independent programming of nonreciprocity and reversibility

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 reversability 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.