Theoretical investigation into tunable band gaps of an Euler- Bernoulli beam with 2DOF LR structures

This paper is concerned with an intelligent phonotic crystals (IPC) consisting of an Euler-Bernoulli beam attached with 2DOF locally resonant (LR) structures. The novel design of the dielectric electroactive polymer (DEAP) rings acting as the springs of oscillators is presented that could be employed to control the transmission of flexural waves on the beam. Tunable band gaps (BGs) can be realized by changing the stiffness of each oscillator driven by the external electric field, where the DEAPs transform electric energy directly into mechanical work under the applied voltage. Discrete copper (Cu) strips are then attached to the DEAP to allow the deformation of DEAP rings. The transfer matrix (TM) theory is adopted to assist readers to better understand the formation of the BG. Simulation results show that this particular configuration is effective for attenuating the flexural waves at low frequencies below 1000Hz where the tunable BGs may occur. Moreover, it is found that a wider BG can be achieved and shifts towards higher frequencies by increasing the applied voltages.