Exploring the limits of multifunctionality in adaptable networks: comparing flow networks to mechanical metamaterials

ORAL

Abstract

Previous work shows that spring networks are both adaptable and robust - via selective bond pruning, specific functions can be programmed precisely, efficiently and robustly [Rocks et. al., 2016, arXiv:1607.08562]. These functions include localized but long-range-correlated deformations reminiscent of allostery in proteins. Analogous functionality can be introduced into flow networks by controlling the current through a bond in response to a current applied elsewhere in the network. Here we explore the limits of multifunctionality. How many separate independent functions can be simultaneously tuned successfully into a network and how many different targets can be controlled by a single source? These questions can be classified as constraint-satisfaction problems that we study in both mechanical and flow networks.

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Authors

  • Jason W. Rocks

    • University of Pennsylvania
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

  • Henrik Ronellenfitsch

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

  • Eleni Katifori

    • University of Pennsylvania
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

  • Andrea Liu

    • University of Pennsylvania
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
    • Department of Physics, University of Pennsylvania

  • Sidney R. Nagel

    • The University of Chicago
    • University of Chicago
    • Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
    • James Franck Institute, Enrico Fermi Institute, and Department of Physics, The University of Chicago, USA
    • James Franck Institute, University of Chicago