Non-contact electroelastic modulation of conventional media leveraging two-way electromagnetic induction

This research reports the synthesis of a wave altering non-contact design. Resonators enable vibration and wave modulation, but typically require mechanical attachments that modify host properties and limit retrofit. Inspired by remote field technologies, we introduce a tunable non-contact resonator that traps propagating wavefronts and suppresses targeted modes in elastic structures. Eddy-current interactions provide remote, bidirectional coupling between structural vibrations and coil voltage. Analog impedance converters tune the shunt impedance, establishing LC-resonance at select frequencies while compensating for dissipative loss. In this manner, local resonance is induced on electrically conductive media, facilitating tunable dispersion and modal suppression. Intrinsic host properties are preserved, facilitating non-intrusive elastodynamic control for in-service retrofit, delicate structures, and challenging environments. Analytical modeling predicts underlying electromagnetics and structural dynamics, informing electrical tunings while highlighting functional dependencies. Experiments demonstrate tunable suppression and wave-blocking, unveiling constraints and improvement paths. The results establish a foundation for adaptive, non-contact elastic metamaterials. Joshua Dupont and colleagues report a tunable electromagnetic unit cell to remotely impose local resonance in conductive media. Analytical and experimental studies of the coupled system show selective wave blocking and modal vibration suppression