Piezoelectric Metamaterials with Variable-Resistance Shunts for Seismic Vibration Attenuation

This paper develops a theoretical framework for periodic piezoelectric metamaterials whose piezoelectric inclusions are connected to controllable electrical shunts.The underlying mechanism is electromechanical energy conversion: mechanicalstrain generates electrical charge, while an external circuit governs electrical energystorage and dissipation. A variable resistance can adapt the electrical dampingto changing vibration conditions; however, a resistor alone does not provide theinductive energy storage required for a classical tuned electrical resonance.The paper formulates coupled mechanical–electrical equations, derives theirfrequency-domain representation, and relates the unit-cell dynamics to Bloch-wavedispersion and base-excited structural response. An optimization framework isproposed for selecting the shunt resistance under physical bounds. Performancemeasures include displacement, interstory drift, acceleration, and electrical energydissipation. The formulation is a research framework, not a claim of experimentallyvalidated or code-qualified seismic performance. The proposed system is bestdescribed as an adaptive or semi-active vibration control concept unless the controlleractively injects energy into the mechanical system.