A three-dimensional rubber-steel phononic crystal for broad and low-frequency vibration attenuation

Elastic metamaterials and phononic crystals have the potential for vibration isolation applications due to wave band gaps where elastic waves cannot propagate. However, their real-life application may be compromised by the narrow band gaps of the former and the high frequencies of the latter. In the current study, we present a three-dimensional frame structure made of steel and rubber elements that presents a wide complete band bag at low frequency. The structure provides extreme vibration isolation because it combines band gaps with high impedance mismatch between steel and rubber damping. The manufacturing process of the proposed frame structure is widely used in mounting pads, and its cost is relatively low. It provides reasonable structural strength, which makes its application in real life possible. The dynamic behavior predicted with spectral and finite element models is validated with experimental results.