Development of an Acoustic Conduction Mechanism of a Metamaterial for Underwater Environment Applications

Abstract

The reduction of engine noise is a challenging issue for devices that must operate silently. Noise is not only an annoyance, but it may also be utilized as a compass to identify clandestine vehicles, such as submarines. This is especially true when the stealthy vehicle in issue is involved. Traditional methods, such as identifying the source of the noise and taking the appropriate precautions to avoid it, could be used to regulate the noise level in a certain region. Due to the high mass density and low volume of the used materials, conventional construction techniques cannot be applied to underwater construction. It is crucial to develop innovative materials that have the potential to be employed in maritime applications. The study of acoustic metamaterials, which is currently a subject of significant attention because of its possible application in submarines, is frequently recognized as one of the most intriguing fields to have emerged in recent years. This chapter describes and highlights the benefits of acoustic metamaterials that have the potential to be utilized in submarines. Achieving high levels of sound absorption has been aided by the utilization of metamaterials, which are created by combining several materials of varying forms. The incorporation of numerous layers in the structure enhanced the material’s ability to absorb sound. Not only does the operation of the engine affect the level of background noise, but so do the characteristics of the numerous building components. Variations in engine speed and strain on the material cause a resonance effect, which is caused by the activation of the material’s intrinsic frequencies. Consequently, the use of sonar to pinpoint the precise location of submarines is fraught with danger. This study’s objective is to demonstrate the significance of the topic, as well as resonance protection measures and experimental results for resonance detection using acoustic analysis of metamaterial-based underwater acoustic channels. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.