Multi-band design for one-dimensional phononic crystals

Periodic composites with band gaps that prevent the propagation of elastic waves in certain frequency ranges can be used to control waves for a variety of engineering applications. Although studies on the characteristics of these materials, which are called phononic crystals (PCs), have yielded a large number of positive results in recent years, there is still a lack of effective design methods. In this work, a multi-objective optimization approach based on the band gap mechanism and an intelligent algorithm is used to design a one-dimensional (1D) slab construction of PCs. The design aims to fit pre-determined bands by arranging the available materials properly. Obtained by analyzing the wave transmission in periodic layers, the objective functions are linked to the optimization program to obtain a proper solution set. The results of the numerical simulations demonstrate that without constructing complicated structures, the design method is able to produce PCs that overcome the limitations of two-component PCs and hence can feasibly and effectively achieve the design targets. The design approach presented in this paper can be extended to two- or three-dimensional systems and has great potential for the development of sound/ultrasound isolation structures, multiple band frequency filters, and other applications.