A Constrained Mechanical Metamaterial Towards Wave Polarization and Steering Control

Abstract: Precise control of the polarization and propagation direction of elastic waves is a fundamental challenge in elastodynamics. Achieving efficient mode conversion along arbitrary paths with conventional techniques has proven difficult. In this letter, we propose an innovative harmonimode mechanical metamaterial by integrating classical lattice architecture with a constrained mechanism. The constrained discrete mass-spring model is formulated and homogenized to reveal the unique harmonimode behavior, which supports single-mode polarized propagation and perfect impedance matching with the reference medium. Leveraging multi-scale simulations and the discrete transformation method, the metamaterial is designed to exhibit degenerated wave polarization and broadband mode conversion along various paths by simply adjusting constraint orientations. Finally, hinge joints are proposed for the physical realization of the metamaterial with sub-wavelength microstructures. Numerical simulations confirm its exceptional wave control performance over a broad frequency range. This work presents a comprehensive framework for designing harmonimode metamaterials capable of arbitrary polarization control.