Design of quasi-zero-stiffness metamaterials with ultra-wideband vibration isolation performance

Abstract

Traditional single-function lightweight structure excels in a specific application scenario such as energy absorption, but is difficult to meet the multi-function requirements of the complex working environment for the high-end equipments. In this paper, a novel quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) metamaterial is proposed based on the topological design combining the positive and negative stiffness units, to achieve the multifunction integration of vibration attenuation and energy absorption. The quasi-static compression tests and shaker vibration isolation tests were carried out on the specimens prepared by stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) additive manufacturing techniques. The effects of structural parameters and base materials on the mechanical and vibration isolation properties of QZS metamaterials were systematically investigated. The proposed QZS metamaterial can realize the ultra-wideband vibration damping effect with the isolation band as wide as 5980 Hz, and the overall deformation of the structure can be adjusted by both mechanical load and temperature programming. In addition, the proposed QZS metamaterials have excellent repeatable energy absorption properties, maintaining 80 % load carrying capacity and 92 % specific energy absorption (SEA) after six loading cycles. Therefore, the QZS metamaterial can simultaneously achieve high load-bearing capacity and excellent vibration isolation performance, providing a new pathway to build multifunctional integrated lightweight structures.