A unified model for linear responses of physical networks

Abstract

Many physical systems--from mechanical lattices and electrical circuits to biological tissues and architected metamaterials--can be understood as networks transmitting physical quantities. We present a unified mathematical framework for describing linear responses of such physical networks using tools from algebraic graph theory. This approach captures static and dynamic behaviors across multiple domains, including mechanical, electrical, thermal, and diffusive responses using node and edge variables (e.g., potentials, flows). Our formalism connects multiscale and multi-domain responses to the underlying network structure. We demonstrate how this framework enables efficient, generalizable solutions to a wide class of linear response problems, including stress propagation, charge transport, and wave dynamics, and provide insights into network duality and entropy production.