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.