Mass-spring Chain Research Articles

Composite metastructure with tunable ultra-wide low-frequency three-dimensional band gaps for vibration and noise control

Low-frequency vibration and noise control present enduring engineering challenges that garner extensive research attention. Despite numerous active and passive control solutions, achieving multiple ultra-wide attenuation regions remains elusive. Addressing vibration and noise control across a multidirectional broad low-frequency spectrum, three-dimensional metastructures have emerged as innovative solutions. This study introduces a novel three-dimensional composite metastructure featuring multiple ultra-wide three-dimensional complete band gaps. The research emphasizes the design strategy of elastic ligaments to achieve multiple ultra-wide attenuation regions spanning from 0.7 to 40 kHz. The band structures are elucidated through modal analysis and further substantiated by an analytical model based on a spring-mass chain with an additional resonator. The underlying physical mechanism for the formation of multiple ultra-wide band gaps is revealed through novel vibration modes from finite element analyses. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the distribution and the relative width of the ultra-wide band gaps can be tuned by modifying the geometric parameters of the metastructure. Utilizing additive manufacturing, prototypes are fabricated, and low-amplitude vibration tests are conducted to evaluate real-time vibration attenuation properties. Consistency is observed among theoretical, numerical, and experimental results. The proposed structure shows significant potential for high-performance meta-devices aimed at controlling noise and vibration across an extremely wide low-frequency spectrum.

Non-Bloch band theory for time-modulated discrete mechanical systems

This study establishes a non-Bloch band theory for time-modulated discrete mechanical systems. We consider simple mass–spring chains whose stiffness is periodically modulated in time. Using the temporal Floquet theory, the system is characterized by linear algebraic equations in terms of Fourier coefficients. This allows us to employ a standard linear eigenvalue analysis. Unlike non-modulated linear systems, the time modulation makes the coefficient matrix non-Hermitian, which gives rise to, for example, parametric resonance, non-reciprocal wave transmission, and non-Hermitian skin effects. In particular, we study finite-length chains consisting of spatially periodic mass–spring units and show that the standard Bloch band theory is not valid for estimating their eigenvalue distribution. To remedy this, we propose a non-Bloch band theory based on a generalized Brillouin zone. This novel approach, the combination of the temporal Floquet theory for time-modulated systems and generalized Brillouin zone, enables the prediction of eigenvalue distribution under open boundary conditions and also quantitative characterization of non-Hermitian skin modes. The proposed theory is verified by some numerical experiments.

A Weierstrass approach to the analysis of rarefaction solitary waves in tensegrity mass-spring systems

Abstract The Weierstrass‘ theory of one-dimensional Lagrangian systems and a quasi-continuum approach are employed to study the propagation of solitary waves in tensegrity mass-spring chains, which exhibit softening-type elastic response in the large displacement regime and are subject to external pre-compression. The presented study analytically derives the shape of the traveling rarefaction pulses, and limiting values of the speeds of such pulses. Use is made of a tensegrity-like interaction potential that captures the main features of the real force-displacement response of the examined units. The Weierstrass approach is validated through numerical applications that establish comparisons between the theory developed in the present work and previous results available in literature.

A kind of single-phase full bandgaps phononic crystals and experimental evidence

The exceptional performance of locally resonant phononic crystals (PCs) in vibration attenuation and noise reduction within nuclear power plants has garnered widespread attention in scholarly circles. To address the need for improved predictive accuracy in substrate structures characterized by significant flexibility, a one-dimensional mechanical model rooted in the mass-spring chain paradigm has been established. This model offers a straightforward and accurate means of predicting the lower and upper frequencies of the initial bandgap within locally resonant phononic crystals. Moreover, the dynamic model elucidates modal characteristics and vibrational responses inherent to locally resonant phononic crystals. Utilizing the proposed model, a singular-phase phononic crystal structure boasting full bandgaps has been devised. This structure facilitates the omnidirectional acquisition of locally resonant bandgaps across an exceedingly low-frequency spectrum through the incorporation of cantilever beam elements. Such a design holds immense promise within the realm of large-scale mechanical vibration isolation. As a means of validation, steel samples embodying this phononic crystal model were fabricated. Experimental results demonstrated an insertion loss of approximately 18.67 dB, affirming the vibration isolation efficacy of the singular-phase phononic crystal configuration.

Modeling and analysis of gradient metamaterials for broad fusion bandgaps

A gradient metamaterial with varying-stiffness local resonators is proposed to open the multiple bandgaps and further form a broad fusion bandgap. First, three local resonators with linearly increasing stiffness are periodically attached to the spring-mass chain to construct the gradient metamaterial. The dispersion relation is then derived based on Bloch’s theorem to reveal the fusion bandgap theoretically. The dynamic characteristic of the finite spring-mass chain is investigated to validate the fusion of multiple bandgaps. Finally, the effects of the design parameters on multiple bandgaps are discussed. The results show that the metamaterial with a non-uniform stiffness gradient pattern is capable of opening a broad fusion bandgap and effectively attenuating the longitudinal waves within a broad frequency region.

Introduction of Local Resonators to a Nonlinear Metamaterial With Topological Features

Abstract Recent work in nonlinear topological metamaterials has revealed many useful properties such as amplitude dependent localized vibration modes and nonreciprocal wave propagation. However, thus far, there have not been any studies to include the use of local resonators in these systems. This work seeks to fill that gap through investigating a nonlinear quasi-periodic metamaterial with periodic local resonator attachments. We model a one-dimensional metamaterial lattice as a spring-mass chain with coupled local resonators. Quasi-periodic modulation in the nonlinear connecting springs is utilized to achieve topological features. For comparison, a similar system without local resonators is also modeled. Both analytical and numerical methods are used to study this system. The dispersion relation of the infinite chain of the proposed system is determined analytically through the perturbation method of multiple scales. This analytical solution is compared to the finite chain response, estimated using the method of harmonic balance and solved numerically. The resulting band structures and mode shapes are used to study the effects of quasi-periodic parameters and excitation amplitude on the system behavior both with and without the presence of local resonators. Specifically, the impact of local resonators on topological features such as edge modes is established, demonstrating the appearance of a trivial bandgap and multiple localized edge states for both main cells and local resonators. These results highlight the interplay between local resonance and nonlinearity in a topological metamaterial demonstrating for the first time the presence of an amplitude invariant bandgap alongside amplitude dependent topological bandgaps.

Nonlinearity effects on thermal transport properties of a mass-spring chain

Using Green’s function technique, we present a self-consistent formalism to study the phonon transport properties of an extended nonlinear mass-spring chain. We calculate the phonon transmission coefficient, thermal conductivity, and specific heat for some chains with different configurations of masses feeling the nonlinearity potential. The numerical results show that in a critical value of the nonlinearity coefficient, a sharp decrease in thermal conductivity will be observed. The same scenario happens in a critical temperature proportional to the inverse of the nonlinearity coefficient for the specific heat. Indeed, thermal conductor-insulator transition can occur in the system depending on the strength and distribution of nonlinearity. The model can aid our understanding of the effect of lattice nonlinearity on the thermal properties of one-dimensional materials to design the thermal switches.

Bandgap structure of tensegrity mass–spring chains equipped with internal resonators

This work studies the dispersion relation of a Maxwell type mass–spring chain formed by lumped masses and the parallel arrangement of two different types of tensegrity prisms. Use is made of the Bloch–Floquet theory of discrete systems in association with a linearized model of the response of the tensegrity units under compression loading. Such a modeling is aimed at studying the propagation of compression waves under small perturbations of the initial equilibrium state of the system. For a given value of the cable’s prestress, the tensegrity systems connecting the lumped masses react as elastic springs, which exhibit axial deformations accompanied by relative twisting rotations of the terminal bases. The twisting motion of the chain affects the expression of the kinetic energy, and is accounted for by introducing a suitable definition of equivalent masses. The bandgap structure of the analyzed system is analytically determined and numerical results are obtained for a chain formed by physical models tensegrity θ=1 prisms aligned in parallel with minimal tensegrity prisms. The given results highlight the highly tunable frequency bandgap properties of tensegrity mass–spring chains exhibiting internal resonance capabilities.

Analytical exploration of generic undamped mass–spring chains: A comprehensive study

Analysis of structural vibrations presents challenges due to the coupling between different degrees of freedom, often preventing the derivation of analytical expressions for quantities such as poles, vibration amplitude, etc. While numerical methods are commonly employed to tackle such challenges, their purely numerical nature prevents achieving a comprehensive understanding of the system behaviour. This paper builds on a novel recursive transfer function formulation recently proposed by the authors to analytically characterise the dynamics of generic undamped mass-chain systems. This approach provides fundamental properties and analytical insights that cannot be obtained through current numerical approaches, representing a significant breakthrough in the understanding of vibrations and offering valuable insights for analysing complex vibrating systems. These results presented in this paper allow for a rapid assessment of the minimum phase nature of the vibration system through straightforward stability assessment, and present analytical expressions for sums and multiplications of natural frequencies squared by induction and Vieta’s formulas. Furthermore, it derives conditions for existence of repeated roots using direct analytical derivation of the characteristics equations, including purely imaginary roots and repeated roots at the origin, showing that repeated roots can only occur when some forms of spatial symmetries exist, and confirms bounds for the arithmetic mean of natural frequencies by using inequalities between geometric, arithmetic and quadratic means. Additionally, analytical conditions are established for systems with different degrees of freedom to share the same roots, providing a theoretical foundation for eigenvalue assignment in the time domain or pole placement in the frequency domain. This foundation enables the determination of desired natural frequencies from scratch using transparent analytical conditions, without relying on complex algorithms typically required by current inverse methodologies involving passive structural modifications or active controllers. Moreover, this paper also explores the relationship between independent and coupled vibrations, providing insights for comparing natural frequencies. Overall, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of structural vibrations through analytical exploration and offers practical guidance for eigenvalue assignment and natural frequency analysis.

Bayesian optimal sensor placement for parameter estimation under modeling and input uncertainties

A Bayesian optimal sensor placement (OSP) framework for parameter estimation in nonlinear structural dynamics models is proposed, based on maximizing a utility function built from appropriate measures of information contained in the input–output response time history data. The information gain is quantified using Kullback–Leibler divergence (KL-div) between the prior and posterior distribution of the model parameters. The design variables may include the type and location of sensors. Asymptotic approximations, valid for large number of data, provide valuable insight into the measure of information. Robustness to uncertainties in nuisance (non-updatable) parameters associated with modeling and excitation uncertainties is considered by maximizing the expected information gain over all possible values of the nuisance parameters. In particular, the framework handles the case where the excitation time history is measured by installed sensors but remains unknown at the experimental design phase. Introducing stochastic excitation models, the expected information gain is taken over the large number of uncertain parameters used to model the random variability in the input time histories. Monte Carlo or sparse grid methods estimate the multidimensional probability integrals arising in the formulation. Heuristic algorithms are used to solve the optimization problem. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated for a multi-degree of freedom (DOF) spring–mass chain system with restoring elements that exhibit hysteretic nonlinearities.

Achieving any desirable dispersion curves using non-local phononic crystals

Phononic crystals and vibro-elastic metamaterials are characterized by their dispersion relations—how frequency changes with wave number/vector. While there are many existing methods to solve the forward problem of obtaining the dispersion relation from any arbitrarily given design. The inverse problem of obtaining a design for any arbitrarily given dispersion bands has only had very limited success so far. Here, we report a new design scheme for arbitrary dispersion relations by incorporating non-local interactions between unit cells. Considering discrete models of one-dimensional mass-spring chains, we investigate the effects of both local (i.e., springs between the nearest neighbors) and non-local (i.e., springs between the next nearest neighbors and other longer-range springs) interactions. First, we derive the general governing equations of non-local phononic chains. Next, we examine all design constraints for a linear, periodic, passive, statically stable, non-gyroscopic, and free-standing system. Finally, we perform analytical calculations and numerical simulations to solve the inverse problem. The results illuminate a new path toward novel wave manipulation functionalities, such as ordinary and higher-order critical points with zero-group-velocity (ZGV) modes, as well as multi-wavelength and multi-speed propagations of the same mode at the same frequency.

Wave propagation in chiral stiffness metamaterials

The dynamic behavior of chiral stiffness metamaterials is studied in this work. The equivalent stiffness parameters of chiral structures with different characteristic angles are obtained by a finite element method. A periodic chain composed of chiral cells is equivalent to a coupled spring-mass chain, which is solved theoretically and numerically to validate wave mode conversion and splitting. Furthermore, a locally coupled resonant metamaterial chain based on different chiral structures and disks is established. The dual bandgap of a single oscillator is verified experimentally and by the finite element method. The special wave splitting phenomenon residing in a coupled resonance dispersion crossover is verified numerically. Therefore, chiral stiffness metamaterials have a reference value for the design of the particularity of wave propagation.

Topological adiabatic dynamics in classical mass-spring chains with clamps

The path dependence of adiabatic evolution in classical harmonic chains with clamps is examined. It is shown that cutting and joining a chain may braid adiabatic normal mode frequencies. Accordingly, different adiabatic paths with the same endpoints may transport a normal mode to a different one, and an adiabatic cycle pumps action variables, i.e., the adiabatic invariants of integrable classical systems. Another adiabatic pump for artificial edge modes induced by clamps is shown as an application. Extensions to completely integrable systems and quantum systems are outlined.

An analytic study on the properties of solitary waves traveling on tensegrity-like lattices

This paper develops an analytic study on the existence and properties of solitary waves on 1D chains of lumped masses and nonlinear springs, which exhibit a mechanical response similar to that of tensegrity prisms with locking-type response under axial loading. Making use of the Weierstrass’ theory of 1D Lagrangian conservative systems, we show that such waves exist and that their shapes depend on the wave speed. A progressive localization of the traveling pulses in narrow regions of space is observed as the wave speed increases up to a limit value. A comparative analysis illustrates that the presented study is able to capture the wave dynamics observed in previous numerical studies on tensegrity mass–spring chains.

Complete and detailed inverse design for any arbitrary dispersion relations via non-local metamaterials

Phononic crystals and vibro-elastic metamaterials are characterized by their dispersion relations—how frequency depends on wave number/vector. While there are many existing methods to solve the forward problem of obtaining the dispersion relation from any arbitrarily given design. The inverse problem of obtaining a design for any arbitrarily given dispersion bands have only had very limited success so far. Here, we report a new design scheme capable of leading to arbitrary dispersion relations by incorporating non-local interactions between unit cells. Considering discrete models of one-dimensional mass-spring chain, we investigate the effects of both local (i.e., springs between the nearest neighbors) and non-local (i.e., springs between the next nearest neighbors and other longer range springs) interactions. First, we derive the general governing equations of non-local phononic chains. Next, we examine all design constraints for a linear, periodic, passive, statically stable, non-gyroscopic, and free-standing system. Finally, we perform analytical calculations and numerical simulations to solve the inverse problems. The results illuminate a new path toward novel wave manipulation functionalities, such as sophisticated combinations of roton-like, maxon-like, undulation-point and other zero-group-velocity (ZGV) modes, as well as multi-wavelength and multi-speed propagations of the same mode at the same frequency.

Bound modes in the continuum based phononic waveguides

We analytically predict and numerically demonstrate the existence of a family of bound modes in the continuum (BICs) in bi-layered spring-mass chains. A coupled array of such chains is then used to illustrate transversely bound waves propagating along a channel in a lattice. We start by considering the compact region formed by coupling two spring-mass chains with defects and predict bound modes arising due to reflection symmetries in this region. Dispersion analysis of a waveguide consisting of an array of appropriately coupled bi-layered chains reveals the presence of a branch having bound modes in the passband. Finally, detailed numerical analyses verify the existence of a BIC and its propagation through the waveguide at passband frequencies without energy leakage. The framework allows us to achieve BICs and their propagation for any arbitrary size and location of the compact region. Such BICs open avenues for novel classes of resonators with extremely high Q factors due to zero energy leakage and allow for guiding confined waves in structures without requiring bandgaps.

Transition Waves in One-Dimensional Periodic Bistable Mass-Spring Chains

The propagation of transition waves in multi-stable mechanical systems can be effectively harnessed in various fields, such as mechanical signal communication, mechanical diodes, and energy absorption. In this work, the propagation of transition waves in a one-dimensional (1D) bistable mass-spring chain is systematically studied. The underlying physical mechanism for the formation and propagation of transition waves is clarified, and the influences of some crucial factors, such as the pumped momentum, stiffness of the connecting springs, viscous damping, number of masses, and asymmetry of the double-well potential, on the propagation of transition waves are discussed in detail. As a result, the parameter space for achieving the robust propagation of transition waves through the whole chain is presented. This study is expected to be beneficial for the control of transition waves and design of novel devices used for mechanical signal transmission.

Analytic “Newton’s cradles” with perfect transfer and fractional revival

Analytic mass–spring chains with dispersionless pulse transfer and fractional revival are presented. These are obtained using the properties of the para-Racah polynomials. This provides classical analogs of the quantum spin chains that realize important tasks in quantum information: perfect state transfer and entanglement generation.

Use of compliant actuators for throwing rigid projectiles.

Muscles and tendons, actuators in robotics, and various sports implements are examples that exploit elasticity to accelerate objects. Tuning the mechanical properties of elastic elements connecting objects can greatly enhance the transfer of mechanical energy between the objects. Here, we study experimentally the throw of rigid projectiles by an actuator, which has a soft elastic element added to the distal end. We vary the thickness of the elastic layer and suggest a simple mass-spring chain model to find the properties of the elastic layer, which will maximize the energy transfer from the actuator to the projectile. The insertion of a soft layer, impedance matched to the ejection frequency of the projectile mass, can increase the throwing efficiency by over 400%. Finally, we identify that very thick and very soft compliant layers could potentially lead to high efficiency and flexibility simultaneously.

Phononic properties of a periodic nanostructure including vacuum gap in the presence of effective interatomic interactions.

Using the harmonic approximation and Green's function technique, we investigate the contribution of phonons to heat transport across a narrow vacuum gap by an extended mass-spring chain model. We base the investigation on the van Beest-Kramer-van Santen potential that applies to two cases of simple and alternating mass systems at a finite temperature. Employing this model, we show that in specific values of interaction strengths, incoming phonon frequency, and gap distance, the phonon transmission across the vacuum gap can be improved. Finally, the thermal conductance of the system is computed as a function of interaction strength, gap distance, and temperature. These calculations reveal a suitable fitting function that can provide valuable insight into determining the internal interaction strengths from this quantity or controlling it by variation of the gap distance.