Graded elastic meta-waveguides for rainbow reflection, trapping and mode conversion

Abstract

Precise control of elastic waves is a challenge for many applications in the field of mechanical vibrations, ultrasonic inspection, and energy harvesting. Graded arrays of resonators on elastic substrates recently revealed superior performances for broadband wave trapping and mode conversion. In this study we present elastic waveguides able to govern waves at different scales exploiting rainbow reflection, trapping and mode conversion. We investigate whether these mechanisms, and the associated control, can be used for energy harvesting or signal conversion devices.