A framework of flexible locally resonant metamaterials for attachment to curved structures

Locally resonant metamaterials (LRMs) have been extensively investigated for their superior attenuation performance in the band gap frequencies despite not resulting in a large mass increase, comparatively. However, for their application on actual industrial structures, there exist limitations, the most important of which is the flexibility of the LRM structure. Several studies have succeeded in attaching LRMs to curved surfaces, but if the curvature changes, the unit structure must be redesigned. In this paper, a flexible LRM design independent of curvature is proposed, and numerical simulations illustrate the implementation of the band gap in a beam. Proof of concept of the flexible LRM has been shown through modal experiments on various curved surfaces. Excellent attenuation characteristics of the flexible LRM are demonstrated via a comparison with a constrained layer damping treatment, which are typically considered in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) area. As the proposed flexible LRM can be attached to various curvatures without restriction or redesign, it differentiates itself as a practical alternative to other LRM designs and expected to be explored in diverse applications.

Automated summary

Locally resonant metamaterials (LRMs) have excellent attenuation performance in band gap frequencies, but their flexibility is a major limitation for application in industrial structures. This paper proposes a flexible LRM design independent of curvature, demonstrating its flexibility and excellent attenuation characteristics through experiments.