Locally Resonant Vibro-Acoustic Metamaterials: Applications at KU Leuven
* Presenting author
Abstract:
Vibro-acoustic metamaterials have recently emerged as potential candidates to target low-frequency noise and vibration issues. These material structures are engineered to have properties that are not common in nature. By adding small resonant structures on a sub-wavelength scale with respect to the waves in the host structure that are targeted, so-called stopbands can be obtained. These are frequency zones in which free wave propagation is hampered. These material systems allow for the combination of excellent noise and vibration attenuation in a targeted low frequency band and being lightweight. While most research focuses on the validation and verification for academic concepts, it is clear that steps still need to be taken to bring this concept to industrial applications. Within this overview some successful industrial use cases from KU Leuven are shown and discussed: a metamaterial shock tower, a thermoformed metamaterial panel and the application of locally resonant metamaterials to a compressor unit.