Stress control in non-ideal topological Maxwell lattices via geometry

Abstract: Topological mechanical metamaterials have demonstrated exotic and robust mechanical properties which led to promising engineering applications. One of such properties is the focusing of stress at the interface connecting domains of topological Maxwell lattices of opposite topological polarizations, which protects the bulk of the material against fracturing. Here we generalize this theory to non-ideal Maxwell lattices, incorporate real material features that leads to interactions beyond previous ideal models. By quantitative analysis of stress distributions of topological Maxwell lattices with self-stress interfaces theoretically and computationally, we propose a design rule that minimizes stress in the bulk of the material. This design rule can guide the realization of stress focusing and fracturing protection in real materials.