Nonlinear conduction via solitons in a topological mechanical insulator

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1405969111
• Publication Date: 2014-08-26T03:20:35Z
• Authors: Bryan Gin-ge Chen; Nitin Upadhyaya; Vincenzo Vitelli
• Keywords: Topological insulator; Mechanical energy; Linkage (software); Robustness

Networks of rigid bars connected by joints, termed linkages, provide a minimal framework to design robotic arms and mechanical metamaterials built out folding components. Here, we investigate chain-like linkage that, according linear elasticity, behaves like topological insulator whose zero-energy modes are localized at the edge. Simple experiments performed using prototypes chain vividly illustrate how soft motion, initially edge, can in fact propagate unobstructed all way opposite end. We demonstrate real prototypes, simulations analytical models that is conductor, carriers nonlinear solitary waves, not captured within elasticity. Indeed, prototype be regarded as simplest example metamaterial protected excitations solitons, moving domain walls between distinct phases. More practically, have topologically mechanism perform basic tasks such transporting state from one location another. Our work paves towards adopting principle robustness robots assembled activated linkages well fabrication complex molecular nanostructures.