Speaker
Description
Vibro-acoustic metamaterial plates (VAMPs) consist of a thin baseplate with periodically distributed structural resonators. Through band gaps generated by localised resonances, VAMPs can achieve high sound transmission loss (STL) over targeted frequency ranges, with the potential to outperform mass-equivalent homogeneous plates. This makes VAMPs promising for low-frequency noise control using thin and lightweight treatments.Previous studies have demonstrated the performance of finite-sized VAMPs, bandwidth broadening using multi-resonant or multi-modal resonators, and multi-layered VAMP partitions. Alongside these advances, practical implementation at larger scales remains an important area for further investigation. Manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing, thermoforming, and injection moulding have shown potential for producing VAMPs with complex resonator designs. However, extending these methods to panels of several square metres size can introduce constraints related to manufacturing complexity, cost, and scalability.This contribution investigates a modular approach in which multiple small VAMP segments, each easier to manufacture individually, are mechanically connected, for example using tape, to form a larger metamaterial plate. This strategy may support more efficient manufacturing and enable application to complex structures, including those with obstacles or curvature. A finite element model of a segmented VAMP, coupled to a Rayleigh integral formulation for efficient STL prediction, is used to examine how segment size, coupling stiffness, and related design parameters affect wave propagation and sound insulation. The results aim to assess the potential of segmented VAMP assemblies as a practical route towards large-scale and geometrically adaptable metamaterial noise-control treatments.