Unidirectional propagation of water waves near ancient Luoyang Bridge

Metasurfaces and metagratings offer new platforms for electromagnetic wave control with significant responses. However, metasurfaces based on abrupt phase change and resonant structures suffer from the drawback of high loss and face challenges when applied in water waves. Therefore, the application of metasurfaces in water wave control is not ideal due to the limitations associated with high loss and other challenges. We have discovered that non-resonant metagratings exhibit promising effects in water wave control. Leveraging the similarity between bridges and metagratings, we have successfully developed a water wave metagrating model inspired by the ancient Luoyang Bridge in China. We conduct theoretical calculations and simulations on the metagrating and derive the equivalent anisotropic model of the metagrating. This model provides evidence that the metagrating has the capability to control water waves and achieve unidirectional surface water wave. The accuracy of our theory is strongly supported by the clear observation of the unidirectional propagation phenomenon during simulation and experiments conducted using a reduced version of the metagrating. It is the first time that the unidirectional propagation of water waves has been seen in water wave metagrating experiment. Above all, we realize the water wave metagrating experiment for the first time. By combining complex gratings with real bridges, we explore the physics embedded in the ancient building — Luoyang Bridge, which are of great significance for the water wave metagrating design and provide a new method for analyzing the effects of water waves on bridges. At the same time, this discovery also provides a new idea for ocean cargo transportation, ocean garbage cleaning, and the development and protection of ancient bridges.