Christina J. Naify

Transmission loss and dynamic response of membrane-type locally resonant acoustic metamaterials

Membrane-type acoustic metamaterials were fabricated, characterized, and analyzed to understand their acoustic response. Thin plates which obey the acoustic mass law have low transmission loss (TL) at low frequencies. Acoustic metamaterials with negative dynamic mass density have been shown to demonstrate a significant (5×) increase in TL over mass law predictions for a narrow band (100 Hz) at low frequencies (100–1000 Hz). The peak TL frequency can be tuned to specific values by varying the membrane and mass properties. In this work, TL magnitude as a function of frequency was measured for variations in the mass magnitude and membrane tension using an impedance tube setup. The dynamic properties of membranes constructed from different materials were measured and compared to the results of coupled field acoustic-structural finite element analysis modeling to understand the role of tension and element quality factor. To better comprehend the mechanism(s) responsible for the TL peak, a laser vibrometer was ...

Membrane-type metamaterials: Transmission loss of multi- celled arrays

Acoustic metamaterials with negative dynamic mass density have been shown to demonstrate a five-fold increase in transmission loss (TL) over mass law predictions for a narrowband (100 Hz) at low frequencies (100–1000 Hz). The present work focuses on the scale-up of this effect by examining the behavior of multiple elements arranged in arrays. Single membranes were stretched over rigid frame supports and masses were attached to the center of each divided cell. The TL behavior was measured for multiple configurations with different magnitudes of mass distributed across each of the cell membranes in the array resulting in a multipeak TL profile. To better understand scale-up issues, the effect of the frame structure compliance was evaluated, and more compliant frames resulted in a reduction in the TL peak frequency bandwidth. In addition, displacement measurements of frames and membranes were performed using a laser vibrometer. Finally, the measured TL of the multi-celled structure was compared with the TL behavior predicted by finite element analysis to understand the role of nonuniform mass distribution and frame compliance.

Transmission loss of membrane-type acoustic metamaterials with coaxial ring masses

Transmission loss (TL) of membrane-type locally resonant acoustic metamaterials (LRAMs) with added ring masses was analyzed using both finite element analysis and experimental techniques. LRAM structures traditionally display high TL (over 40 db) over a narrow frequency band. TL peak frequency in membrane-type LRAMs is tuned by variations in mass and membrane properties, with the objective of increasing the breadth of the TL peak. The addition of a ring mass to the structure either increased the bandwidth of the TL peak or introduced multiple peaks, depending on the number of rings, the distribution of mass between the center and ring masses, and radii of the rings. The addition of ring mass increased the TL frequency bandwidth by up to 360% (at a sound level 30 dB) compared to a structure of equivalent overall weight with only a central mass. Finite element analysis was used to predict TL behavior of several ring configurations, and TL for these configurations was measured to validate the model predictio...

Scaling of membrane-type locally resonant acoustic metamaterial arrays.

Metamaterials have emerged as promising solutions for manipulation of sound waves in a variety of applications. Locally resonant acoustic materials (LRAM) decrease sound transmission by 500% over acoustic mass law predictions at peak transmission loss (TL) frequencies with minimal added mass, making them appealing for weight-critical applications such as aerospace structures. In this study, potential issues associated with scale-up of the structure are addressed. TL of single-celled and multi-celled LRAM was measured using an impedance tube setup with systematic variation in geometric parameters to understand the effects of each parameter on acoustic response. Finite element analysis was performed to predict TL as a function of frequency for structures with varying complexity, including stacked structures and multi-celled arrays. Dynamic response of the array structures under discrete frequency excitation was investigated using laser vibrometry to verify negative dynamic mass behavior.

Highly anisotropic elements for acoustic pentamode applications.

Pentamode metamaterials are a class of acoustic metafluids that are characterized by a divergence free modified stress tensor. Such materials have an unconventional anisotropic stiffness and isotropic mass density, which allow themselves to mimic other fluid domains. Here we present a pentamode design formed by an oblique honeycomb lattice and producing customizable anisotropic properties. It is shown that anisotropy in the stiffness can exceed 3 orders of magnitude, and that it can be realistically tailored for transformation acoustic applications.

Underwater acoustic omnidirectional absorber

Gradient index media, which are designed by varying local element properties in given geometry, have been utilized to manipulate acoustic waves for a variety of devices. This study presents a cylindrical, two-dimensional acoustic “black hole” design that functions as an omnidirectional absorber for underwater applications. The design features a metamaterial shell that focuses acoustic energy into the shells core. Multiple scattering theory was used to design layers of rubber cylinders with varying filling fractions to produce a linearly graded sound speed profile through the structure. Measured pressure intensity agreed with predicted results over a range of frequencies within the homogenization limit.

Experimental realization of a variable index transmission line metamaterial as an acoustic leaky-wave antenna

Development and experimental realization of an acoustic leaky wave antenna are presented. The antenna uses a one-dimensional composite right/left hand transmission line approach to tune radiation angle continually from backfire-to-endfire, including broadside, as a function of input frequency. An array of acoustically loaded membranes and open channels form a structure with negative, zero, or positive refractive index, depending on excitation frequency. The fast-wave radiation band of the antenna is determined using acoustic circuit analysis. Based on the designs specified by circuit and finite element analysis, an acoustic leaky wave antenna was fabricated, and the radiation direction measured at discrete frequencies.

Experimental Demonstration of Underwater Acoustic Scattering Cancellation.

We explore an acoustic scattering cancellation shell for buoyant hollow cylinders submersed in a water background. A thin, low-shear, elastic coating is used to cancel the monopole scattering from an air-filled, neutrally buoyant steel shell for all frequencies where the wavelength is larger than the object diameter. By design, the uncoated shell also has an effective density close to the aqueous background, independently canceling its dipole scattering. Due to the significantly reduced monopole and dipole scattering, the compliant coating results in a hollow cylindrical inclusion that is simultaneously impedance and sound speed matched to the water background. We demonstrate the proposed cancellation method with a specific case, using an array of hollow steel cylinders coated with thin silicone rubber shells. These experimental results are matched to finite element modeling predictions, confirming the scattering reduction. Additional calculations explore the optimization of the silicone coating properties. Using this approach, it is found that scattering cross-sections can be reduced by 20 dB for all wavelengths up to k0a = 0.85.

Transparent Gradient-Index Lens for Underwater Sound Based on Phase Advance

Spatial gradients in refractive index have been used extensively in acoustic metamaterial applications to control wave propagation through phase delay. This study reports the design and experimental realization of an acoustic gradient index lens using a sonic crystal lattice that is impedance matched to water over a broad bandwidth. In contrast to previous designs, the underlying lattice features refractive indices that are lower than the water background, which facilitates propagation control based on a phase advance as opposed to a delay. The index gradient is achieved by varying the filling fraction of hollow, air-filled aluminum tubes that individually exhibit a higher sound speed than water and matched impedance. Acoustic focusing is observed over a broad bandwidth of frequencies in the homogenization limit of the lattice, with intensity magnifications in excess of 7 dB. An anisotropic lattice design facilitates a flat-faceted geometry with low backscattering at 18 dB below the incident sound pressure level. Three dimensional Rayleigh-Sommerfeld integration that accounts for the anisotropic refraction is used to accurately predict the experimentally measured focal patterns.

Evaluation of the resolution of a metamaterial acoustic leaky wave antenna

Acoustic antennas have long been utilized to directionally steer acoustic waves in both air and water. Typically, these antennas are comprised of arrays of active acoustic elements, which are electronically phased to steer the acoustic profile in the desired direction. A new technology, known as an acoustic leaky wave antenna (LWA), has recently been shown to achieve directional steering of acoustic waves using a single active transducer coupled to a transmission line passive aperture. The LWA steers acoustic energy by preferential coupling to an input frequency and can be designed to steer from backfire to endfire, including broadside. This paper provides an analysis of resolution as a function of both input frequency and antenna length. Additionally, the resolution is compared to that achieved using an array of active acoustic elements.