Experimental study of Su-Schrieffer-Heeger edge modes for water waves in linear and nonlinear regime

TL;DR

This study experimentally demonstrates topologically protected edge modes in water waves using a geometric design inspired by the SSH model, revealing robust localized modes and nonlinear bifurcations, bridging topological physics and fluid dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a water wave channel design that replicates the SSH model, enabling experimental observation of topological edge states in classical fluid systems.

Findings

Observation of robust zero-energy edge modes in water waves

Excellent agreement between experiments and theoretical predictions

Detection of bifurcations indicating secondary resonances in nonlinear regime

Abstract

This paper experimentally investigates topologically protected edge modes in a water wave channel through a direct geometric mapping to the one-dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model. By designing a periodic channel with alternating widths, we replicate the key features of the SSH model, leading to the emergence of robust zero-energy sloshing edge modes localized at the boundaries. Experimental data show excellent agreement with theoretical predictions, supported by two-dimensional numerical simulations. In the nonlinear regime, two distinct bifurcations are observed, indicating the appearance of secondary resonances. This study highlights the relevance of the SSH model for water wave systems and provides an accessible method to explore topological edge states in classical wave systems.