Experimental study on negative effective mass in a 1D mass–spring system

Abstract

A mass–spring system with negative effective mass is experimentally realized, and its transmission property is examined in the low-frequency range. The local resonance of the basic unit is observed and explained by Newton's theory. The negative effective mass is confirmed by experiments through the transmission properties of a finite periodic system composed of such basic units. In the negative mass range, low transmissions of the system are observed and it is well predicted by the theory. In addition, zero effective mass is discussed and experimentally investigated, which gives rise to no phase shifts in the system. Finally, the anti-vibration effect with a negative mass system is also analyzed. The relevant results are helpful for a better understanding of the resonant nature of metamaterials.