Inertially amplified seismic metamaterial with an ultra-low-frequency bandgap

In last two decades, it has been theoretically and experimentally demonstrated that seismic metamaterials are capable of isolating seismic surface waves. Inertial amplification mechanisms with small mass have been proposed to design metamaterials to isolate elastic waves in rods, beams, and plates at low frequencies. In this Letter, we propose an alternative type of seismic metamaterial providing an ultra-low-frequency bandgap induced by inertial amplification. A unique kind of inertially amplified metamaterial is first conceived and designed. Its bandgap characteristics for flexural waves are then numerically and experimentally demonstrated. Finally, the embedded inertial amplification mechanism is introduced on a soil substrate to design a seismic metamaterial capable of strongly attenuating seismic surface waves around a frequency of 4 Hz. This work provides a promising alternative way to conceive seismic metamaterials to steer and control surface waves.