Exploring nonlinear mechanics and dynamics in topological mechanical metamaterials

Topological mechanical metamaterials are artificially designed structures that support topologically protected states and exhibit unique mechanical and dynamical behaviors, such as highly asymmetric stiffness distribution in uniform structures and waveguiding without backscattering loss. They have gained significant attention for their ability to localize energy, resist defects and disorder, and offer versatile design flexibility and scalability. Their unique properties as promising candidates for a wide range of applications, including energy control and robotics, as well as acoustic and phonon logic. However, current research primarily focuses on the linear regime because the topology of such systems is mainly based on linear band theory. In this talk, I will discuss recent advances in nonlinear topological mechanical metamaterials, which introduce new possibilities for controlling stress and strain, manipulating mechanical waves, and tailoring band structures. I will highlight both experimental and numerical developments in nonlinear mechanics and dynamics within 1D and 2D topological mechanical metamaterials by leveraging geometric nonlinearity. These findings suggest exciting opportunities for engineering next-generation metamaterials with tunable and programmable properties, making them ideal candidates for designing adaptive materials, mechanical logic devices, and robust soft robotic systems.