Lightweight meta-lattice sandwich panels for remarkable vibration mitigation: Analytical prediction, numerical analysis and experimental validations

Realizing superior mechanical performance and outstanding multifunction features, yet with lightweight configuration, simultaneously, has been always a fundamental challenge. Here we design and experimentally achieve an ultralight framework of lattice-truss-core sandwich panels, namely meta-lattice structure, for highly-efficient, broadband low-frequency vibration attenuation. A composite meta-lattice sandwich panel is proposed and integrally fabricated with glass fiber reinforced Nylon by the 3D printing technique of selective laser sintering. Requiring neither heavy local-resonators nor soft damping support, the designed meta-lattice structure can generate a wide low-frequency bandgap, where the bandwidth has a remarkable double-time increment, meanwhile the yield strength has a significant improvement. An analytical model based on Rayleigh-energy and Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is presented to tailor the bandgap characteristics. Without losing lightweight superiority, our meta-lattice prototype exhibits absolute advantages in broadband, low-frequency vibration attenuation and high loading-bearing capacity, which offers a thriving avenue to the outstanding integration of structural strength and diverse-function performance.