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Analysis and Optimization of Stress Wave Propagation in Two-Dimensional Granular Crystals with Defects

Citation

Szelengowicz, Ivan Michel Nicolas (2013) Analysis and Optimization of Stress Wave Propagation in Two-Dimensional Granular Crystals with Defects. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/TE86-1A15. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05082013-161911202

Abstract

Granular crystals are compact periodic assemblies of elastic particles in Hertzian contact whose dynamic response can be tuned from strongly nonlinear to linear by the addition of a static precompression force. This unique feature allows for a wide range of studies that include the investigation of new fundamental nonlinear phenomena in discrete systems such as solitary waves, shock waves, discrete breathers and other defect modes. In the absence of precompression, a particularly interesting property of these systems is their ability to support the formation and propagation of spatially localized soliton-like waves with highly tunable properties. The wealth of parameters one can modify (particle size, geometry and material properties, periodicity of the crystal, presence of a static force, type of excitation, etc.) makes them ideal candidates for the design of new materials for practical applications. This thesis describes several ways to optimally control and tailor the propagation of stress waves in granular crystals through the use of heterogeneities (interstitial defect particles and material heterogeneities) in otherwise perfectly ordered systems. We focus on uncompressed two-dimensional granular crystals with interstitial spherical intruders and composite hexagonal packings and study their dynamic response using a combination of experimental, numerical and analytical techniques. We first investigate the interaction of defect particles with a solitary wave and utilize this fundamental knowledge in the optimal design of novel composite wave guides, shock or vibration absorbers obtained using gradient-based optimization methods.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:granular material, nonlinear system, solitary wave, topology optimization
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Aeronautics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Daraio, Chiara
Group:GALCIT
Thesis Committee:
  • Kochmann, Dennis M. (chair)
  • Bruno, Oscar P.
  • Ravichandran, Guruswami
  • Daraio, Chiara
Defense Date:24 April 2013
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:05082013-161911202
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05082013-161911202
DOI:10.7907/TE86-1A15
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.86.061306DOIUNSPECIFIED
http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.87.032204DOIUNSPECIFIED
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:7685
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Ivan Szelengowicz
Deposited On:29 May 2013 23:45
Last Modified:08 Nov 2023 00:21

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