Reconfigurable waveguides defined by selective fluid filling in two-dimensional phononic metaplates

Abstract We investigate two-dimensional phononic metaplates consisting of a periodic array of cups on a thin epoxy plate that is perforated with periodic cross holes. The cups are individually filled with water or remain empty, in view of creating reconfigurable phononic waveguides. Phononic band gaps exist for empty or filled epoxy cups, leading to waveguides defined with either positive or negative contrast. Straight and 90° bent waveguides are considered experimentally. Lamb waves are excited by a piezoelectric patch glued onto the metaplate and are imaged using a scanning laser vibrometer. Experimental results are compared to a three-dimensional finite element model of fluid–structure interaction. Passing and forbidden frequency ranges are identified for positive and negative contrast, and confined propagation is observed along the waveguides. Significantly, the propagation of acoustoelastic waves in the 90° bent waveguides is observed experimentally. Reconfigurability and reusability are thus realized based on the coupling of elastic waves in the solid and acoustic waves in the fluid. The results show plenty of potentiality for the practical design of multiplexed and programmable acoustic devices implemented with reconfigurable waveguides printed on demand in a phononic metaplate.