Researchers at the University of Missouri, led by Professor Guoliang Huang, have developed a prototype of an innovative metamaterial capable of controlling energy waves using electrical signals. This metamaterial exhibits unique properties, such as odd mass density, which allows force and acceleration to diverge from traditional Newtonian mechanics. The prototype is lightweight and designed to manage the direction and intensity of energy waves, making it applicable in various fields including military, commercial, and civil engineering. Potential uses range from radar control to monitoring the structural health of bridges and pipelines.
Huang’s decade-long research aims to engineer materials that challenge conventional mechanics, focusing on how lightweight structures can effectively manage vibrations in larger systems like aircraft. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlight the first realization of odd mass density in metamaterials, providing an unconventional approach to structural dynamics. The work is supported by grants from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Army Research Office, with contributions from several co-authors affiliated with the university. Huang envisions this technology enhancing safety and functionality across multiple industries.
