Mechanical WaveControl LAB

The University of Suwon
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Acoustic & elastic waves
Materials. Structures. Control.

Shaping
mechanical
waves.

Engineering how sound, vibration, and ultrasound reflect, absorb, and transmit.

Explore our research
Abstract wavefronts reshaped by an engineered materialSTRUCTURE SHAPES RESPONSE
Mechanical Wave Control LABMWC / Suwon
Reflection / Absorption / TransmissionFrom wave physics to engineering applicationsScroll to discover ↓

01 / The lab

Control through
structure.

Understanding mechanical waves.
Designing the materials that shape them.

Mechanical Wave Control LAB at The University of Suwon investigates how engineered materials and structures control the propagation of mechanical waves.

Combining theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental investigation, the lab connects fundamental wave physics with applications in ultrasound and noise control.

TheorySimulationExperiment

02 / Research

Five directions.
One wave perspective.

From the response of a single resonator to the propagation of waves through an engineered structure.

01

Acoustic & elastic metamaterials

We investigate how structural geometry and local resonances produce unusual acoustic and elastic responses. A central interest is the design of metamaterials with negative effective density and elastic moduli. Through homogenization theory and wave analysis, we connect the behavior of individual structural elements to the effective properties of the material.

Local resonance
Effective material properties
Dynamic homogenization

02

Phononic crystals & wave filtering

We explore periodic and hierarchical structures that selectively block or transmit mechanical waves. By tailoring structural hierarchy and bandgaps, we seek to control multiple frequency bands within a single design. This research provides a foundation for ultrasonic filtering and the suppression of unwanted wave propagation.

Structural hierarchy
Multiple bandgaps
Frequency-selective filtering

03

Broadband sound absorption

We study compact resonant structures that absorb sound efficiently over broad frequency ranges. Research interests include hybrid resonators combining Helmholtz resonance and micro-perforations, impedance matching, and the interaction of multiple resonances. The goal is to develop sound absorbers that provide effective noise reduction within limited space.

Hybrid resonators
Acoustic metasurfaces
Impedance matching

04

Ultrasonic transmission through barriers

We investigate complementary metamaterials that enhance ultrasonic transmission through elastic barriers. By coordinating multiple resonances, these structures can exhibit negative effective density, bulk modulus, and shear modulus within a shared frequency range. Potential applications include nondestructive evaluation, underwater communication, and transcranial ultrasound.

Complementary metamaterials
Triple-negative properties
Barrier transmission

05

Aeroacoustics & sound quality

Our interests extend to noise generation and radiation in mechanical systems, including fans, propulsion devices, and acoustic ducts. We study how physical modeling, numerical analysis, and sound-quality assessment can inform quieter designs. This direction connects wave-control concepts with practical challenges in mobility, electronics, and industrial equipment.

Flow-induced noise
Acoustic radiation
Sound-quality assessment

A simple starting point

Where does the
wave energy go?

Reflection, absorption, and transmission describe how incident wave energy interacts with a structure.

Transmission carries wave energy through a structure. Engineered interfaces can help improve passage through a barrier.

Conceptual illustration of wave transmission through a structureINCIDENT WAVE →STRUCTURE TRANSMITTED ENERGY →
Conceptual illustration; not a simulation or measured result.

03 / People

Meet the principal
investigator.

Portrait of Prof. Ki Yong Lee
Ki Yong Lee / Principal Investigator

Ki Yong Lee, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of Suwon

Ki Yong Lee leads Mechanical Wave Control LAB. His research interests include acoustic and elastic metamaterials, phononic crystals, ultrasonic transmission, sound absorption, and aeroacoustic noise control.

  • 2026Ph.D. in Mechanical EngineeringKAIST
  • 2018M.S. in Mechanical EngineeringKAIST
  • 2016B.S. in Mathematical SciencesKAIST
kiyong.lee@suwon.ac.kr

04 / Publications

Research in print.

Selected publications from Prof. Lee’s research at KAIST. Links lead to the publisher’s article pages.

2026

Realization of triple-negative complementary metamaterials for ultrasonic transmission through elastic barriers

K. Y. Lee, C. Kim, and W. Jeon · Ultrasonics 164, 108029

doi: 10.1016/j.ultras.2026.108029

 2026

Triple-negative complementary metamaterial for ultrasound transmission through elastic barrier

K. Y. Lee and W. Jeon · Scientific Reports 16, 326

doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-29656-1

 2024

Broadband sound absorption using hybrid resonators with embedded necks and micro-perforations in parallel

H. Ryoo, K. Y. Lee, and W. Jeon · Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 211, 111205

doi: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2024.111205

 2020

Hierarchical phononic crystals for filtering multiple target frequencies of ultrasound

K. Y. Lee and W. Jeon · Scientific Reports 10, 8070

doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-64234-7

 2018

Hierarchically structured metamaterials with simultaneously negative mass density and Young’s modulus by using dynamic homogenization

K. Y. Lee and W. Jeon · Journal of Applied Physics 124, 175103

doi: 10.1063/1.5050207

Selected granted patent

Phononic crystal with a hierarchical unit cell

Korean Patent No. 10-2373279 · Granted March 7, 2022
Inventors: Wonju Jeon and Ki Yong Lee · Patentee: KAIST

05 / Prior experience

Research projects
at KAIST.

Affiliation during
participation: KAIST

These projects document Prof. Ki Yong Lee’s research participation while affiliated with KAIST, prior to joining The University of Suwon. They represent his prior research experience and are not current projects of Mechanical Wave Control LAB.

Precision ultrasound brain stimulation for intractable psychiatric disorders

Prior participation / KAIST

Metamaterials for transcranial ultrasound imaging

Prior participation / KAIST

Metastructured sound barriers for transformer noise reduction

Prior participation / KAIST

Ultralight metastructures for sound absorption and insulation in next-generation mobility

Prior participation / KAIST

Passive acoustic filters for high-frequency response control in mobile speaker ducts

Prior participation / KAIST

Sound-quality analysis and metrics for automotive cooling fans

Prior participation / KAIST

View additional prior projects

Scalable simulation of automatic beam-overlap alignment

Prior participation / KAIST

Safe and quiet propellerless drones

Prior participation / KAIST

Meta-blades for low-noise wind power generation

Prior participation / KAIST

Integrating theory and big data for fan-noise prediction

Prior participation / KAIST

Fan-noise analysis accounting for turbulent flow

Prior participation / KAIST

Theoretical framework and simulation of hierarchical metamaterials

Prior participation / KAIST

06 / Contact & opportunities

Let’s talk
wave physics.

kiyong.lee@suwon.ac.kr ↗

Mechanical Wave Control LAB

Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of Suwon
Room 203, Engineering Building 4
수원대학교 제4공학관 203호

Recruitment / Planned

Future student opportunities

Student recruitment is planned for a later date. Available positions and application procedures will be announced on this website.