MODELLING METASURFACES

Lead Research Organisation: Imperial College London
Department Name: Mathematics

Abstract

This research is focused upon applying mathematical techniques to the modelling of modern materials, so-called metamaterials, in alignment to research in continuum mechanics. The ideas originate from electromagnetism, but have recently begun to be implemented in acoustics and elasticity, where there are nuances and changes in this new context. The objectives are to bring the power of mathematical ideas to bear upon the engineering and physics problems of current interest and to develop new and efficient methodologies that enable physical interpretation, and thus motivate the design, of such materials. Applications include many areas where wave energy and transport are important, since such materials can ultimately allow the control of wave propagation. Specific areas include underwater acoustics and re-direction of ground vibration.

Publications

10 25 50

Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
EP/N509486/1 30/09/2016 30/03/2022
2016146 Studentship EP/N509486/1 30/09/2017 30/03/2021 Gregory Chaplain
 
Description We have made significant advances in the design and analysis of structured materials capable of supporting surface waves. We have developed an efficient numerical method that allows us to efficiently design and test simple one dimensional geometries in elasticity, which can be translated to arbitrary wave systems. These devices can be used to control, passively, surface waves for energy harvesting and mode conversion applications. Coupling these structures with ideas stemming from solid state physics has led to knew classes of materials with very simple constituent parts that allow the conversion of surface waves into bulk waves, which travel in the opposite direction. These allow negative refraction and flat lensing effects to be emulated by geometrically simple structures.
Exploitation Route The simple design paradigms presented allow the quick characterisation for devices which can either slow surface waves or convert them in a given direction to body waves. The advantages of slowed, or trapped waves, comes in energy harvesting applications where energy can be extracted from (for example a vibrational system) to generate electricity. The wave phenomenon presented are entirely general and can be translated to any wave system. The applications of mode conversion can be used to isolate vibrations or for focussing and lensing applications using simple structures. In short the methods and physical interpretations we have unearthed allow simple structures to be built with a wide variety of applications.
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

Construction

Electronics

Energy

 
Description EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship
Amount £57,947 (GBP)
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2020 
End 11/2021
 
Description eCOST travel
Amount € 695 (EUR)
Funding ID CA15125 
Organisation European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) 
Sector Public
Country Belgium
Start 09/2019 
End 10/2019
 
Description Metasurfaces for Energy Harvesting 
Organisation ETH Zurich
Country Switzerland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Provided theoretical predictions and simulations for manipulating wave propagation in devices capable of harvesting vibrational energy and mode conversion.
Collaborator Contribution Provided simulations of energy harvesting effects, and experimental verifications of wave conversion effects.
Impact Several published journal articles (see publications). Disciplines involved: Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics
Start Year 2018
 
Description Metasurfaces for Energy Harvesting 
Organisation Polytechnic University of Milan
Country Italy 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Provided theoretical predictions and simulations for manipulating wave propagation in devices capable of harvesting vibrational energy and mode conversion.
Collaborator Contribution Provided simulations of energy harvesting effects, and experimental verifications of wave conversion effects.
Impact Several published journal articles (see publications). Disciplines involved: Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics
Start Year 2018
 
Description Metasurfaces for Energy Harvesting 
Organisation University of Nottingham
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Provided theoretical predictions and simulations for manipulating wave propagation in devices capable of harvesting vibrational energy and mode conversion.
Collaborator Contribution Provided simulations of energy harvesting effects, and experimental verifications of wave conversion effects.
Impact Several published journal articles (see publications). Disciplines involved: Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics
Start Year 2018