International Journal of Physics

International Journal of Physics | Vol. 9, No. 2, February 2018 | pp. 9–16

DOI: 10.46882/2018/IJP/000094

Research Article

Title: Finite Element Modeling of Acoustic Wave Scattering and Bandgap Formations in Porous Piezoceramic Metamaterials

Names of Authors: P. J. O’Connor¹, V. I. Morozov²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; ²Institute of High Pressure Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Troitsk, Russia

Abstract: Characterizing elastic wave propagation through fluid-saturated porous structures is crucial for industrial noise mitigation and optimizing tunable smart structural systems. This study presents a finite element modeling approach to simulate acoustic wave scattering and track bandgap formations within a saturated porous piezoceramic metamaterial matrix. The mathematical model integrates Biot's dynamic equations of poroelasticity with a generalized piezoelectric constitutive framework to account for electro-mechanical coupling under variable external electrical shunting networks. Numerical simulations were executed across an ultrasonic frequency spectrum from 20.0 kHz to 600.0 kHz. The computational results demonstrate that introducing active inductive-capacitive shunts induces a strong, tunable attenuation peak for the fast compressional wave mode at 210.0 kHz. This attenuation can be actively shifted by 35.0% across the frequency domain via external load tuning. The scattering cross-section displays a non-linear dependence on core porosity fractions, showing optimal bandgap breadth below a 22.0% threshold. Experimental validation was conducted using synthetic barium titanate porous specimens filled with matching viscoelastic liners. The measured transmission loss spectra matched the simulated profiles within a ±5.5% margin.

Keywords: Porous media; acoustic scattering; piezoceramics; finite element modeling; Biot's theory; tunable bandgaps

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 02, 2017; Revised: December 18, 2017; Accepted: January 11, 2018; Published: February 14, 2018

Citation: O’Connor, P. J., & Morozov, V. I. (2018). Finite Element Modeling of Acoustic Wave Scattering and Bandgap Formations in Porous Piezoceramic Metamaterials. International Journal of Physics, 9(2), 9–16.