Nonlinear waves in flexible mechanical metamaterials

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in understanding nonlinear wave propagation in flexible mechanical metamaterials, emphasizing their potential for controlling large amplitude elastic waves and outlining future research directions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive summary of recent findings on nonlinear wave dynamics in flexible elastic metamaterials and suggests new avenues for exploration.

Findings

Flexible metamaterials support nonlinear elastic waves.

Large deformation enables new wave control mechanisms.

Potential for innovative applications in wave manipulation.

Abstract

Flexible mechanical metamaterials are compliant structures engineered to achieve unique properties via the large deformation of their components. While their static character has been studied extensively, the study of their dynamic properties is still at an early stage, especially in the nonlinear regime induced by their high deformability. Nevertheless, recent studies show that these systems provide new opportunities for the control of large amplitude elastic waves. Here, we summarize the recent results on the propagation of nonlinear waves in flexible elastic metamaterials, and highlight possible new research directions.