Gap detection in the spectrum of an elastic periodic waveguide with a free surface

A three-dimensional periodic elastic waveguide is constructed whose continuous spectrum (the frequencies that admit propagating waves) contains a gap, i.e., an interval that has its ends in the continuous spectrum but contains at most a discrete spectrum. The waveguide consists of an infinite chain of massive bodies connected by short thin links, and its surface is assumed to be free. The method for detecting a gap also applies to plane problems, including scalar ones. Periodic elastic waveguides with different shapes or contrasting properties are indicated in which a gap can also be detected.