# Arbitrary mechanical memory encoding via nonlinear waves in bistable metamaterials

## TL;DR

This paper presents a novel method for mechanical memory encoding in bistable metamaterials using nonlinear waves, enabling remote and programmable information writing through boundary actuation.

## Contribution

It introduces a one-dimensional bistable metamaterial system that uses nonlinear wave-driven actuation for arbitrary, remote, and programmable mechanical memory encoding.

## Key findings

- Nonlinear waves can selectively switch bistable states deep within the structure.
- The system allows remote, boundary-driven writing of information.
- Experimental and simulation results confirm controllable state transitions.

## Abstract

Mechanical metamaterials composed of bistable elements have recently emerged as promising platforms for mechanical memory. Traditional approaches to writing information in these systems typically rely on localized actuation or predefined coupling schemes, which are often labor-intensive or lack adaptability. In this work, we introduce a one-dimensional metamaterial consisting of mass-in-mass bistable units that are statically decoupled yet dynamically switchable, allowing arbitrary mechanical information to be encoded through nonlinear waves applied at the boundary of the system. Through a combination of experiments and simulations, we demonstrate that tailored input signals can selectively trigger state transitions deep within the structure, enabling remote and programmable bit writing. This approach opens a new avenue for mechanical memory, harnessing the robustness of bistable elements and the tunability of nonlinear wave-driven actuation.