Enhanced stress wave attenuation of single-walled carbon nanotube lattice via mass mismatch-induced resonance

Nanoscale homogeneous single-walled carbon nanotube lattice exhibits extraordinary attenuation performance and ultrahigh specific energy absorption upon high-velocity impact. However, upon relatively low impact velocity (for example, < 1000 m/s), this system does not possess a good stress wave attenuation performance where severe damage may still occur. To overcome this disadvantage, a new attenuation mechanism is introduced to carbon nanotube lattice via the creation of mass mismatch, i.e. carbon nanotube dimer lattice. Under specific mass ratio, a strong inherent resonance happens, resulting in an evident attenuation of the propagating pulse. The joint effect of mass mismatch-induced resonance and dissipative nature of carbon nanotube lattice make it ideal for both high and low-velocity impacts. Additionally, specific energy absorption is improved due to the mass reduction. This work reveals the possibility to achieve much higher energy dissipation by exploiting the system's inherent dynamics, suggesting a new strategy of lightweight design of protective devices and the potential of technological applications of nanoscale nonlinear granular crystals.

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