In the literature, phononic band gaps in periodic media are generated via two different means, namely, Bragg scattering and local resonances. In this paper, an alternative method is introduced, in which effective inertia of the wave propagation medium is amplified via embedded amplification mechanisms. A prototype two-dimensional mass-spring lattice is introduced. The band structure of this lattice is computed for various instantiations to highlight the benefits of inertial amplification and to quantify the sensitivity of inertial amplification induced band gaps to parametric variations. It is shown that inertial amplification gives rise to very wide band gaps at low frequencies.

• Received 24 April 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.76.054309