Vibration control and noise attenuation strategies via acoustic metamaterial in railway transportation: a state-of-the-art review

Railway transportation is essential for urban and intercity mobility but often generates unfavorable or even harmful structure-borne vibration and noise that likely impact nearby environments, structural integrity, and passenger comfort. To address these challenges, extensive research has been conducted on vibration and noise control technologies. This review examines the causes and sources of train-induced vibration and noise, evaluates the limitations of conventional mitigation strategies, and explores the potential of acoustic metamaterials (AMMs) as innovative solutions. AMMs, characterized by their unique structural properties, enable targeted frequency control, efficient low-frequency vibration isolation, and compact designs. Additionally, integrating optimization algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) enhances AMM design precision and scalability. The application of AMMs in railway systems is analyzed across three key domains: vibration sources, transmission paths, and receptors, with a focus on urban environments, railway infrastructure, and aerodynamic noise control. Innovative designs and strategies for improving efficiency and sustainability are also discussed. Finally, future research directions are proposed, emphasizing the need to overcome challenges related to design complexity, computational costs, and practical implementation. By providing a comprehensive perspective on AMM-based railway noise and vibration management, this review highlights their transformative potential in advancing railway engineering. © The Author(s) 2025.