Mechanically tunable phononic band gaps in three-dimensional periodic elastomeric structures

Three-dimensional periodic structures have many applications in acoustics and their properties are strongly related to structural details. Here we demonstrate through simulations the ability to tune the phononic band gaps of 3D periodic elastomeric structures using deformation. The elastomeric nature of the material makes the transformation of the band gaps a reversible and repeatable process, providing avenues for the design of tunable 3D phononic crystals such as sonic switches.