Robust design and uncertainty analyses of topological piezoelectric metamaterials with fixed and time-varying properties

Abstract

Phononic crystals and metamaterials are engineered structures that can control wave propagation through band gaps. Topological non-trivial states, originally investigated in condensed matter physics, have recently enabled the investigation of innovative wave phenomena in metamaterials. These elastic periodic structures are characterized by the presence of topologically protected band gaps that support backscattering-free edge waves. Therefore, structures presenting topological non-trivial states allow enhanced waveguiding, as well as wave locking and wave localization. Smart materials can provide additional interesting features to topological metamaterials, including time-varying properties, enhanced energy harvesting possibilities, and flexible wave manipulation. As observed in elastic metamaterials, the dynamic behavior of smart metamaterials can be affected by the variability of the host structure properties, of the piezoelectric material properties, and the variability of circuitry components. This research project aims to investigate different concepts related to the effects of variability on the behavior of topological piezoelectric metamaterials and applications. First, numerical and experimental verification will be performed on topological piezoelectric metamaterial beams. Later, the problem will be expanded to piezoelectric metamaterial plates, where the robustness of interface modes will be investigated.