Topological elastic metamaterials for wave manipulation: a comprehensive review

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Acoustics

Background:

• Topological elastic metamaterials are engineered materials that manipulate elastic waves using topological principles.
• They offer superior performance in waveguiding, energy harvesting, and vibration control compared to conventional materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of topological elastic metamaterials.
• To examine their fundamental properties, topological concepts, and applications.
• To highlight recent advancements and future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective examination of elastic metamaterials and topological concepts.
• Discussion of topological phases supported by these metamaterials (e.g., quantum Hall, spin Hall, valley Hall effects, Weyl points).
• Exploration of higher-order topological phases and their implications for wave localization.

Main Results:

• Topological elastic metamaterials exhibit unique properties enabling robust control of elastic waves.
• They support various topological phases, including quantum Hall, spin Hall, valley Hall effects, and Weyl points.
• Higher-order topological phases offer enhanced control over wave localization.

Conclusions:

• Topological elastic metamaterials are a rapidly advancing field with significant practical application potential.
• Future research should focus on nonlinearity, non-Hermitian effects, intelligent design, and multifunctional materials.
• This review provides a foundational overview and identifies key avenues for future exploration.