SNU College of Engineering (Dean Kookheon Char) announced on 15^th that the research team led by Professor Seonho Cho of the Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering has succeeded in designing two- and three-dimensional lattices with very large complete band gaps at low audible frequency ranges. This research is anticipated to bring a breakthrough in vibration reduction technology.
 
Meta structures that reduce the transmission of low frequency elastic waves are receiving much attention as advanced materials that can be used for vibration and noise mitigation in ships and automobiles. This newly developed lattice structure not only demonstrates great sound absorption capabilities but also has stability, allowing the material to replace sound-absorbing sponges and mufflers that are currently used in offshore plants and special-purpose ships. Furthermore, it is expected to be used in the development of lightweight composite panels for stealth ships.


The research team introduced bang gaps of single material systems to the design of this new meta structure. The conventional Bragg-type band gap requires large lattice structures to reduce the frequency range and the conventional local resonance band gap requires a supplementary substance or device to induce resonance at low frequency ranges. That is, both conventional band gaps have limitations.


In order to overcome such limitations, the team maximized the band gap at low frequency ranges by precisely manipulating the two- and three-dimensional lattices using the isogeometrtic optimization method. The three-dimensional structure in the research demonstrated near-zero transmission when external excitation at 160 to 1,000Hz was applied. The test assured the effectiveness and versatility in engineering applications of the maximized band gap structure.
 
Professor Cho stated, “We have acquired a core technology in structural designs to control elastic waves. This research will have great impact on the development of materials and devices for noise and vibration cancellation and reduction.”
 
The research findings were published online on the Scientific Reports on July 10^th. The research was conducted with the support of the Research Leader Program of the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea.