Robust bandgaps for vibration control in periodic structures

Abstract

In this thesis, a simple methodology to find robust bandgaps is presented. Four different periodic structures are used as numerical examples for infinite and finite models. The first two are related to attenuation zones created for longitudinal waves using spring-mass and stepped rod unit cells. The Transfer Matrix method is used to model the unit cell. With this method, it is possible to obtain the frequency responses, using a spectral method, and dispersion constants, solving an eigenvalue problem. The most influential physical and geometrical parameters are determined by performing partial derivative and finite difference sensitivity analysis through an infinite model. Therein, for the second example, the cross-section area of half-cell is considered as a stochastic variable represented by a probability density function with specific deviation properties for a probabilistic analysis. The third example concerns the bandgaps for flexural waves using stepped beams unit cells. For this case, the classical Transfer Matrix method cannot be used to obtain finite structures response in low frequency because of the presence of ill-conditioned matrices. Therefore, a recursive method termed Translation Matrix, which avoids matrix multiplication, is used and the corresponding probabilistic analysis is performed using the half-cell thickness as a random variable. An experimental analysis is also performed for this case, but considering half-cell length as uncertain. The last example is a periodic truss that is considered with and without smart components. The unit cell of this lattice structure can present passive and active members. As long as the type of unit cell is more complex, the finite element method is used. However, this kind of structure does not have impedance mismatches strong enough to open bandgaps although the presence of repetitive sub-structures. In virtue of this, eight scenarios are investigated considering the introduction of concentrated mass on joints and piezoelectric actuators in resonant shunt circuit which are considered as stochastic for specific cases. For each structure model, a Monte Carlo Simulation with Latin Hyper-cube sampling is carried out, the distinctions between the corresponding uncertain attenuation zones for finite and infinite models are exposed and the relation with localized modes is clarified. These results lead to conclude that the finite models present a larger stop zone considering stochastic parameters than infinite models. In other words, the uncertainties between neighbor cells compensate each other and the finite structures are naturally more robust. Finally, the effect of increasing the uncertainty level, by varying a stochastic coefficient, is analyzed and the concept of robust band gap is presented.