Analytical model to predict the effect of a finite impedance surface on the propagation properties of a 2D Sonic Crystal

TL;DR

This paper introduces an analytical model based on multiple scattering theory to predict how a finite impedance ground surface affects the acoustic propagation of 2D Sonic Crystals, aiding in better noise barrier design.

Contribution

It presents a novel analytical model that incorporates ground impedance effects into Sonic Crystal acoustic interaction analysis, which was not previously included.

Findings

Model accurately predicts ground effects on Sonic Crystals

Good agreement with experimental data

Facilitates improved noise barrier design

Abstract

The use of Sonic Crystals as environmental noise barriers has certain advantages from the acoustical and the constructive point of view with regard to conventional ones. One aspect do not studied yet is the acoustic interaction between the Sonic Crystals and the ground due to, up to now, this latter is not included in the analytical models used to characterize these Sonic Crystals. We present here an analytical model, based on multiple scattering theory, to study this interaction considering the ground as a finite impedance surface. Using this model we have obtained interesting conclusions that allow to design more effectively noise screens based on Sonic Crystals. The obtained results have been compared with experimental and numerical, finding a good agreement between them.