3D topologically polarized elastic metamaterials enable asymmetric energy isolation at finite frequencies

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Authors: Xicheng Zhang, Xuejian Gong, Fangyuan Ma, Zheng Tang, Ying Wu, Di Fan Zhou, Feng Li, Yugui Yao
Cited by: 1
References: 48

Abstract

Topologically polarized elasticity has been extensively studied in lower dimensions, yet its three-dimensional (3D) counterpart remains largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate omnidirectional topological elasticity in 3D structures that incorporate bending stiffness, which elevates zero-frequency topological mechanical states into finite-frequency phononic modes. These modes are localized at a single boundary, creating a pronounced stiffness contrast in both static and finite-frequency dynamic regimes. This 3D structure exhibits highly polarized mechanical behavior across all spatial dimensions, establishing omnidirectional asymmetric topological elasticity. Experimental and numerical results confirm robust, asymmetric energy isolation, arising from the interplay between bulk topological polarization and boundary-localized surface modes. Our findings establish a paradigm for 3D metamaterials, with promising applications in vibration shielding and directional wave manipulation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Acoustic Wave Phenomena Research Topological Materials and Phenomena Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Science Advances
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Volume
12
Issue
29
Pages
eaec6144–eaec6144
Publication date
17 July 2026
Language
EN