Recent advances in nonlinear vibration metamaterials

Nonlinear vibrational metamaterials hold tremendous potential for vibration suppression. Recent studies have emerged on key aspects such as granular media, nonlinear stiffness, damping effects and nonlocal interaction. Discrete-continuum or hybrid granular media, including those incorporating granular-elastic continuum interfaces, present new possibilities for effective shock and vibration mitigation through Hertzian, vibro-impact, and frictional nonlinearities. Nonlinear stiffness gives rise to phenomena such as amplitude-dependent behavior, chaotic bands, higher harmonics and adaptive-broadening bandgap, which collectively enhance low-frequency, broadband and highly efficient vibration suppression. Additionally, damping effects play a critical role in improving wave attenuation and dynamic behavior, particularly when combined with inerter and collision mechanisms, thereby further enhancing broadband vibration reduction and system robustness. Furthermore, the introduction of nonlocal interactions overcomes the limitations of traditional interactions, strengthening low-frequency dispersion control and revealing distinctive phenomena such as energy return flow, which offers new avenues for vibration suppression. By reviewing these advances and presenting future perspectives on nonlinear vibration metamaterials, we aim to inspire further innovative research and offer valuable insights and guidance to address the existing challenges.