Materials with Exceptional Properties
Phononic Metamaterials
Phononic metamaterials (PMM) are artificially engineered materials whose internal structure is specifically designed to influence the propagation of mechanical waves. This allows for a significant reduction in vibrations and structure-borne noise within defined frequency ranges, while maintaining a low weight. These properties make PMM a promising technology for future lightweight structures in aircraft manufacturing.
The PhonoFluBa research project, conducted as part of the LuFo VII-1 aviation research program, aims to take a decisive step toward the industrial application of these materials. The goal is to develop new numerical calculation methods that can be used to specifically design phononic metamaterials for concrete applications in aircraft construction. In this way, time-consuming development cycles involving numerous physical prototypes are to be largely replaced in the future by simulation-based development processes.
Project Objective and Approach
Improved Travel Comfort on Airplanes
The collaborative project focuses on the development of a comprehensive simulation methodology for components made of phononic metamaterials. To this end, two innovative numerical methods are being combined. By coupling these two methods, the project aims to enable, for the first time, the computer-aided development of PMM components that are precisely tailored to the vibroacoustic requirements of future aircraft structures. The developed methods will then be experimentally validated using a real prototype component.
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Spectral Element Method (SEM)
SEM for the Efficient Calculation of Wave Propagation in Complex Metamaterial Structures
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inverse topology optimization (ITO)
ITO Process for the Targeted Design of the Internal Material Structure
Collaboration Within the Network
Project partners: Novicos GmbH and HAW Hamburg (Adaptronics and Structural Dynamics)
While Novicos is responsible for developing the spectral-element method, as well as its practical application and experimental validation, HAW Hamburg is developing new methods of inverse topology optimization for the automated design of phononic metamaterials. Together, they are creating an integrated development environment for future PMM components in aircraft manufacturing.
Key Areas of Focus
The project work is divided into six interrelated subject areas. This creates a complete development chain, ranging from requirements through numerical design to metrological verification.
1. Requirements Definition
Definition of aviation-specific requirements and selection of suitable demonstrator components
2. Design Systematics
Development of a Design Framework for Phononic Metamaterials
3. Physical Reference Models
Development of physical reference models based on conventional finite element methods
4. SEM/FEM Coupling
Development and implementation of the spectral element method, including its coupling with the finite element method
5. Inverse topology optimization
Integration of inverse topology optimization for automated material design
6. Experimental Validation
Experimental validation of the developed methods using a sample component
Benefits for the Aviation Industry
Together with a top-class consortium from industry and science, we worked on pioneering quality assurance methods:
Phononic metamaterials have the potential to make future aircraft structures lighter while also reducing vibration. This can improve both acoustic comfort in the cabin and structural performance.
The simulation methods developed in the project are intended to significantly accelerate the development of such materials and substantially reduce the number of costly physical prototypes. In the long term, the results can contribute to a more sustainable aviation industry while also strengthening Germany’s competitiveness as an aviation hub.
Your contact person
I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide further details about how PhonoFluBa works.
Dr.-Ing. Thorben Schröder
Further details
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