Demonstration of tunable energy propagation using magneto-mechanical oscillator arrays

This work reports, for the first time, a MEMS testbed platform that not only demonstrates complex energy propagation behaviors in periodic arrays of magnetically coupled mechanical oscillators, but also a technique to alter those behaviors externally, after fabrication of the device. Using the microfabricated oscillator arrays, we show frequency bandgaps and a technique to modify the bandgap response, providing valuable experimental data to validate theoretical models. Additionally, the devices demonstrate that those behaviors are affected by the strength of the inter-oscillator coupling force and stiffness of the array oscillators. Each device consists of multiple 1-D arrays of microfabricated magnet-on-cantilever oscillators, utilizing the magnets for inter-oscillator coupling and transmission of energy. Through experimental investigation of these behaviors, fundamental insights can be applied to sensors, shock absorption, filters and energy conversion systems.