Elastic quantum spin Hall effect in kagome lattices

A mechanical analog to the quantum spin Hall insulator (QSHI) is implemented into a simple mass-spring kagome lattice. The transition from the trivial state to the topological one is described by an invariant Chern number function of a contrast parameter. The band diagram and helical edge states characteristic of QSHI are obtained by a combination of numerical and analytical methods. In particular, these states are shown to be Stoneley wave solutions to a set of asymptotic continuous motion equations. Last, scatterless propagation of polarized topological edge waves around sharp corners is demonstrated and robustness is assessed through a parametric study.