A research paper titled “High-amplitude sound propagation in acoustic transmission-line metamaterial,” authored by faculty members from the College of Underwater Acoustic Engineering at Harbin Engineering University (HEU), was recently published in Applied Physics Letters (APL). The nonlinear acoustic metamaterial theory established in this work successfully captures experimentally observed nonlinear effects—a phenomenon that can cause the metamaterial to switch from a reflective to an absorbing state. This finding extends both the theoretical framework and potential applications of nonlinear acoustic metamaterials. The paper was recognized by the APL editorial board as an “Editor’s Pick.” Subsequently, at the invitation of APL’s editor-in-chief, the HEU faculty members authored a comprehensive review titled “Review and perspective on acoustic metamaterials: From fundamentals to applications.” This review also earned an “Editor’s Pick” distinction from APL and has become a highly cited paper in the Web of Science database. These accolades underscore the international academic recognition of the university’s research in underwater acoustic metamaterials for noise control.

The first author of the review is Associate Professor ZHANG Jiangyi, with Professor HU Bo serving as the corresponding author. HEU is the sole affiliation for this work. The review traces the history and current state of acoustic metamaterials, with a particular focus on major research advances in nonlinear acoustic coatings. It also outlines future directions and addresses practical engineering challenges such as mass production, hydrostatic pressure performance, omnidirectional wave control, and high manufacturing costs. The physical mechanisms and design methods systematically presented in this review can directly guide the development of next-generation anechoic tiles for underwater applications, low-frequency broadband sound-absorbing structures, and nonlinear acoustic metamaterials. These advances hold significant potential for applications in fields such as ocean exploration and medical ultrasound imaging.

Applied Physics Letters is one of the most time-honored and influential journals in the field of applied physics, specializing in the publication of rapid, groundbreaking original research. Both papers authored by HEU faculty members have been named “Editor’s Pick.” Moreover, the invited review paper has become a highly cited work in the Web of Science database. This achievement highlights HEU’s profound expertise and growing international academic influence at the intersection of underwater acoustics and acoustic metamaterials. It also lays a solid foundation for future research into nonlinear underwater acoustic metamaterials and intelligently tunable sound-absorbing structures.