  We study lightweight, elastic metamaterials consisting of tensegrity-inspired
prisms, which present wide, low-frequency band gaps. For their realization, we
alternate tensegrity elements with solid discs in periodic arrangements that we
call "accordion-like" meta-structures. We show through analytical calculations
and numerical simulations that these structures are characterized by
low-frequency band gaps with strong uniform wave attenuation due to the
coupling of Bragg scattering and local resonance mechanisms. This coupling
helps to overcome the inherent limit of a narrow band-gap width for
conventional locally-resonant metamaterials and to extend the wave attenuation
to wider frequency ranges. Moreover, the band gaps can be further increased,
provided a minimum structural damping is present, and tuned to desired
frequencies by changing the applied prestress levels in the tensegrity
structure. Results are corroborated by parametric studies showing that the
band-gap frequencies are preserved for wide variations of geometric and
material structural properties.
