Topology and symmetries in gyroscopic lattices

Mechanical metamaterials -- including static frames, coupled pendula, and gyroscopic lattices -- can support topologically protected vibrational behavior. In particular, fast-spinning gyroscopes pinned on a honeycomb lattice break time-reversal symmetry and exhibit topologically protected, one-way edge modes. As in electronic systems, symmetries play an important role in determining the topological properties of the material. Here we present the roles of inversion symmetry, local coordination number, and time reversal symmetry on the band topology of gyroscopic metamaterials with several lattice geometries.