Model-free topology (IMAGE)
Caption
A fully experimental method for determining the topological character of a mechanical metamaterial. The metamaterial consists of a network of rotors (rigid rotating rods, red) connected by elastic springs (blue). By prodding an individual rotor and measuring the resulting movement in the metamaterial, it is possible to identify ‘mechanical molecules’ which behave like a single unit. By subsequently mapping out the ‘polarisation’ of each molecule, topological features of the metamaterial are easily identified. The bottom right image confirms the presence of a floppy corner mode – as predicted by the polarisation field – by shaking the entire metamaterial. Image credit: University of Amsterdam.
Credit
University of Amsterdam
Usage Restrictions
Free
License
Original content