In this paper, a nonlinear elastic metamaterial (NEM) is presented for broadband wave attenuation by incorporating strongly nonlinear elements in a triatomic microstructural design. The nonlinear elements are considered between the primary and secondary orders of the triatomic model where the primary focus is the influence of damping between the secondary and lowest orders of the triatomic microstructure, respectively. The NEM with both weak and strong damping is investigated for efficient attenuation of transient blast waves. The 4th order Runge-Kutta numerical method is used for obtaining the attenuation, transmission, and reflection coefficients of the NEM. It is found that the NEM can expand the bandwidth of the bandgap and enhance the absorption of elastic waves compared with a purely linear elastic metamaterial. This work provides a novel model for efficient energy absorbing materials capable of suppressing blast induced shock waves or impact generated pulses capable of causing severe local damage to nearby structures.

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Xianchen Xu, Miles Barnhart, and Guoliang Huang, "Dissipative nonlinear elastic metamaterials for broadband wave attenuation (Conference Presentation)," Proc. SPIE 10600, Health Monitoring of Structural and Biological Systems XII, 106001G (Presented at SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring: March 08, 2018; Published: 3 April 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2297269.5763106970001.