Nonlinear waves in flexible mechanical metamaterials

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.

Automated summary

Flexible mechanical metamaterials are compliant structures engineered to achieve unique properties through large deformations of their components. While their static properties have been extensively studied, research on their dynamic properties, especially in the nonlinear regime induced by their high deformability, is still in its early stages. Recent studies have shown that these systems offer new opportunities for controlling large-amplitude elastic waves.