Exploring natural systems to inspire acoustic metamaterials

该项目将探索自然界中发现的小规模声谐振器系统。它将使用3D显微镜，通过3D数据可视化和分析，提供关于此类系统的准确信息。这将形成自然/生物谐振器系统的高分辨率计算机建模和模拟的基础。来自这些模型的信息和分析将被用来开发亚波长谐振器系统的新概念，用于在人类听觉频率上运行的声学超材料。这些新的谐振器和超材料概念将利用超声工程中心开发的多材料、功能机电系统的高分辨率3D打印技术进行探索。这将导致新的微型、3D打印、声学超材料的创造。

This project will explore small-scale acoustic resonator systems found in nature. It will use 3D microscopy, with 3D data visualisation and analysis, to provide accurate information on such systems. This will then form the basis of high resolution computer modelling and simulation of the natural/biological resonator systems. The information and analysis from these models will then be used to develop new concepts for sub-wavelength resonator systems, for use in acoustic metamaterials functioning at human auditory frequencies. These new resonator and metamaterial concepts will be explored using the techniques for high-resolution 3D printing of multi-material, functional electromechanical systems developed in the Centre for Ultrasonics Engineering. This will lead to the creation of new miniature, 3D printed, acoustic metamaterials.