Research Overview

The research team primarily focuses on the dynamics, vibration, and acoustic behavior of mechanical systems and structures. The work spans a wide range of topics within this field, with a strong emphasis on vibration isolation, suppression, and energy transfer. The work has been funded by various funding bodies.

Key Research Areas and Contributions:

The team's research can be broadly categorized into the following interconnected areas (paper list shown in the Publications):

• Vibration Isolation and Suppression: A significant portion of the work is dedicated to developing and enhancing methods for isolating and suppressing unwanted vibrations. This includes:

  • Metamaterials and Periodic Structures: We design and analyze novel metamaterials, including foldable, acoustic, and elastic metamaterials, often incorporating features like negative stiffness, inerters, and unique geometries to achieve superior low-frequency sound absorption and vibration isolation (e.g., [73], [36], [56], [65]). We also investigate bandgap properties in periodic structures for vibration attenuation (e.g., [25], [56], [65]).

  • Nonlinear Vibration Isolators and Absorbers: The team extensively studies the use of nonlinearities—such as geometric nonlinearity, friction, and specific linkage mechanisms—to improve the performance of vibration isolators and dynamic vibration absorbers (e.g., [70], [57], [52], [49], [44], [43], [33], [31], [28], [27], [15], [7], [6], [5], [3], [1]). This often involves the application of inerters, which are devices that produce a force proportional to the relative acceleration between their terminals, to enhance vibration control.

  • Energy Transfer and Power Flow Analysis: A core aspect of our research involves understanding and quantifying vibration energy transfer and power flow within complex and nonlinear mechanical systems. This enables us to design more effective vibration control strategies and diagnose damage (e.g., [72], [64], [51], [46], [41], [34], [31], [26], [24], [23], [22], [19], [17], [16], [11], [3], [2], [1]).

• Composite Materials and Structures: The team investigates the vibrational characteristics and damage detection in various composite materials and structures, including laminated composite plates and sandwich structures. We explore the effects of variable angle tow fibers and curvilinear fibers on vibration suppression and energy flow (e.g., [67], [66], [60], [51], [48], [47], [35], [34], [20], [19]).

• Modeling and Analysis Techniques: We develop and apply advanced analytical and numerical methods for modeling and analyzing complex vibrational phenomena in mechanical systems. This includes:

  • Nonlinear analysis techniques (e.g., extended Galerkin method [38]).

  • Energy-based analysis approaches and variational principles for bandgap calculation and vibration transmission (e.g., [69], [56], [25]).

  • Constitutive modeling for advanced materials like 3D printed composites (e.g., [68], [53]).

• Damage Detection and Structural Health Monitoring: The team explores methods for detecting damage in structures using vibration power flow analysis and sensor fusion schemes (e.g., [66], [58]).

• Specific Applications: While primarily fundamental research, some publications point to specific applications such as vehicle suspension systems [49], floating raft systems [62], electric motor noise dissipation [37], machining fixtures [42], and 3D printing [74].

In essence, the team's work revolves around understanding, predicting, and actively controlling vibrations and sound in a diverse array of engineered systems and materials, with a particular focus on leveraging nonlinearities and novel mechanical elements like inerters and metamaterials for enhanced performance.