a b s t r a c tDespite the fact that the concept of incorporating Negative Stiffness (NS) elements within mechanical systems was formulated and validated more than 40 years ago, it has only recently received consistent attention. In this work, the design of a layered mechanical metamaterial having implemented NS inclusions is presented and its acoustic wave propagation properties are modelled. A dedicated twodimensional periodic structure theory scheme is developed in order to compute the frequency dependent damping loss factor of the metamaterial structure. The acoustic transmission properties through the modelled panel are computed within a Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) scheme. It is demonstrated that the suggested layered metamaterial exhibits highly superior acoustic insulation performance close and above the acoustic coincidence range, thanks to the drastic increase of its structural damping properties implied by the NS elements. Additionally, the proposed configuration presents superior performance in a broadband frequency range when compared to a viscoelastic damping constraint layer of equivalent mass.
In this work, the banded behaviour of composite one-dimensional structures with an additive manufactured stiffener is examined. A finite element method is used to calculate the stiffness, mass and damping matrices, and periodic structure theory is used to obtain the wave propagation of one-dimensional structures.A multi-disciplinary design optimisation scheme is developed to achieve optimal banded behaviour and structural characteristics of the structures under investigation. Having acquired the optimal solution of the case study, a representative specimen is manufactured using a carbon fibre cured plate and additive manufactured nylon-based material structure. Experimental measurements of the dynamic performance of the hybrid composite structure are conducted using a laser vibrometer and electrodynamic shaker setup to validate the finite element model.
This work was focused on the examination of the effect of the pre-stress, namely tension and pressure, on the wave propagation and acoustic behaviour of composite laminates. The dispersion characteristics of two dimensional layered and sandwich structures were predicted using Wave Finite Element Method (WFEM). The structures were examined in non-stressed and pre-stressed scenarios. After extracting the mass and stiffness matrix of a small periodic segment of the structure using commercially available Finite Elements software, a polynomial eigenvalue problem was formed, the solutions of which consisted of the propagation constants of the waves of the structure. This way the wavenumbers and eigenvectors of the out of plane structural displacements were extracted. These wave propagation magnitudes were then used to calculate important Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) quantities, such as modal density and radiation efficiency. The effect of pre-stress on these quantities, along with its effect on loss factor of the structure were examined.
In this work novel unconventional core architectures are presented which are able to induce flexural band gaps while not being detrimental for structural bending stiffness of the sandwich structures. Two different core schemes are examined with both of them exhibiting low-frequency stop bands. While unconventional, the designs of the core offer a novel solution which can be easily manufactured in high volume parts using two-dimensional automated cutting machine. A hybrid finite element and periodic structure theory scheme is employed for the calculation of the stiffness and mass matrices, and periodic structure theory is used to obtain the wave propagation of the beams. Having acquired the wave dispersion curves and the finite element analysis' results, two specimens are manufactured using carbon fibre cured plates and commercially available PVC foam as core material. Experimental measurements of the dynamic performance of the structures are conducted using a laser vibrometer and electrodynamic shaker setup.
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