Phononic, Acoustic and Mechanical Metamaterials: From Theory to Applications

Muhammad Gulzari (University College Dublin)

Time:

2PM Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Location:

Science East, E0.32

Phononic, acoustic and mechanical metamaterials are engineered structured materials with dynamic and mechanical properties that are inconceivable from the natural materials. This includes frequency bandgap, frequency range where wave propagation is prohibited. In this seminar, an overview on the state of the art research in phononic, acoustic and mechanical metamaterials will be presented along with some of my research findings on this topic in the past few years. The major focus of the talk will be on dynamical properties of metamaterial in acoustic and elastic media with applications in low-frequency, broadband noise and vibration control. Furthermore, the concept of seismic metamaterials and topological properties offered by phononic and acoustic metamaterials will be presented. The talk will conclude with some present opportunities for collaboration and future outlook of metamaterials.

Bio

Dr. Muhammad Gulzari is Assistant Professor at the School of Civil Engineering, University College Dublin. His research His research explores the intersection of engineering mechanics, structural dynamics, applied physics, applied mathematics and wave propagation in artificially engineered structured materials—known as phononic crystals, acoustic metamaterials, and mechanical metamaterials. Through advanced computational modeling, linear and nonlinear dynamics, finite element analysis, and experimentation, his research activities investigate acoustic and elastic wave manipulation, vibration control, noise insulation, and design and development of lightweight high-strength energy absorption material systems.

The current research focus of the group is on design and development of nonlinear metamaterials and nonreciprocal metamaterials in acoustic and elastic systems, with applications in adaptive structures, signal processing, and next-generation vibration and noise control technologies. By bridging theoretical mechanics with applied engineering, his research group aims to design and develop novel structured materials with tailored dynamic properties for real-world challenges.