We discover a way to achieve an achieve an endless domino effect! We show that non-reciprocity drives solitons and antisolitons towards the same direction. This allows us to send trains of solitons and antisolitons without having to manually reset the material. Out in Nature.
Diffusive kinks turn kirigami into machines
We introduce viscoelastic kirigami whose response depend on strain rate. We observe the emerge of diffusive kinks. We use those kinks to achieve basic mechanical tasks such as shape morphing, sensing and moving objects. Out in Nature Communications!
New method flips the script on topological physics
In a PNAS article, we have demonstrated a model-free method for identifying topology, enabling the discovery of new topological materials using a purely experimental approach.
Non-orientable order
We create metamaterials with built-in frustration, show that they are exhibit a topological property: non-orientable order. We further demontrate that non-orientable order helps to create programmable non-commutative response. Published in Nature.
Stiff vibration dampers
Usually, materials are either stiff or can absorb vibrations well – but rarely both. Here, we exploit buckling to make metamaterials that are both stiff and good at absorbing vibrations. Out in Advanced Materials. See also this press release.
Self-oscillation, self-snapping and synchronisation in elastoactive structures
We discovered a range of nonlinear behaviors in elastoactive chains, including self-oscillations, self-snapping and synchronization. See paper in PRL.
Neural networks learn combinatorial rules.
In our latest PRL we show that combinatorial metamaterials—think of complicated puzzle pieces fitting together to make desired shapes—can be classified efficiently and accurately by neural networks. This is surprising, since these desired shapes occur only for very few specific designs and are sensitive to even a single puzzle piece changing.
Review on Dissipative Metamaterials
Our review on the Extreme Mechanics of Viscoelastic Metamaterials is out in APL Materials!
Reiventing the wheel
In this preprint, we turn odd active matter into robots.
Edible metamaterials
We use chocolate metamaterials to tailor mouthfeel. Check out our recent Soft Matter paper and press release.