Numerical simulation of acoustic band gaps in homogenized elastic composites

The dispersion of acoustic or elastodynamic waves in elastic composites are studied using the homogenized model. We consider heterogeneous periodic structures consisting of soft but heavy inclusions embedded in a stiffer matrix. By virtue of the asymptotic homogenization technique in conjunction with an appropriate scaling of the elasticity coefficients in the inclusions, the limit model exhibits the band gaps in wave propagation due to the negative effective mass. This phenomenon can be revealed by studying guided waves in discrete mass–spring structures with scale-dependent parameters. The main purpose of the paper is to justify the applicability of the homogenized model of the heterogeneous elastic continuum for prediction of the band gaps in structures featured by a finite scale of heterogeneities. We show the band gaps numerical identification and discus aspects of anisotropy, microstructure geometry and material contrast between the constituents in the context of the long wave dispersion.