Designing a broad locally-resonant bandgap in a phononic crystals

Producing a broad locally-resonant bandgap for low frequencies in a phononic crystals is a challenging task, using conventional methods. In this paper, we describe the design of a broad, locally-resonant, bandgap in a phononic crystals using a numerical simulation. The structure consists of periodic double-sided novel composite sonators, deposited on a 2D locally-resonant phononic-crystals plate made of a rubber-filler array, which is embedded in an epoxy plate. Using the finite element method, we calculate the dispersion relations, the power-transmission spectra, and the displacement fields for the eigenmodes. Our results confirm that, the new structure facilitates a significant increase in absolute bandwidth (by a factor of 4.2) compared to conventional phononic crystals. It also broadens the range of elastic wave attenuation. The formation mechanisms that generates the broad locally-resonant bandgap is explored numerically. The simulation indicates that the formation of this bandgap is possible due to coupling between the entire vibration mode of the novel composite-resonator and the Lamb-wave mode of the 2D locally-resonant phononic-crystals plate. The bandwidth of the locally-resonant bandgap is determined by the resonator mode. This study opens new possibilities to broaden locally-resonant bandgaps of phononic crystals for low frequencies. The results can potentially be used to reduce vibration and noise in many applications.