Structural intensity analysis of periodic elastic structures with frequency stop bands

Periodic elastic structures consisting of self-repeating geometric or material arrangements exhibit unique wave propagation characteristics culminating in frequency stop bands, i.e. ranges of frequency where elastic waves can propagate the periodic medium. Such features make periodic structures appealing for a wide range of vibration suppression and noise control applications. Stop bands in periodic media are achieved via Bragg scattering of elastic which is attributed to impedance mismatches between the different constituents of the self-repeating cells. Stop band frequencies can be numerically predicted using mathematical models which generally utilize the Bloch wave theorem and a transfer matrix method to track the spatial and temporal parameters of the propagating waves from one cell to the next. Such analysis generates what is referred to as the band structure (or the dispersion curves) of the periodic medium which can be used to predict the location of the pass and stop bands. Although capable, these models become significantly more involved when analyzing structures with dissipative constituents and/or material damping and need further adjustments to account for complex elastic moduli and frequency dependent loss factors. A new approach is presented which relies on evaluating structural intensity parameters, such as the active vibrational power and energy transmission paths. It is shown that the steady-state spatial propagation of vibrational power caused by an external disturbance accurately reflects the wave propagation pattern in the periodic medium, and can thus be reverse engineered to numerically predict the stop band frequencies for different degrees of damping via a stop band index (SBI). The developed framework is mathematically applied to a one-dimensional periodic rod to validate the proposed method.