Sound transmission loss characteristics of sandwich panels with a truss lattice core

Sandwich panels are extensively used in constructional, naval, and aerospace structures due to the high stiffness and strength-to-weight ratios. In contrast, the sound transmission properties are adversely influenced by the low effective mass. Phase velocity matching of structural waves propagating within the panel and the incident pressure waves from the fluid medium leads to coincidence effects resulting in reduced impedance and high sound transmission. Truss-like lattice cores with porous microarchitecture and reduced inter panel connectivity offer the potential to satisfy the conflicting structural and vibroacoustic response requirements. This study combines Bloch-wave analysis and the finite element method to understand wave propagation and hence sound transmission in sandwich panels with a truss lattice core. Three dimensional coupled fluid-structure finite element simulations are conducted to compare the performance of a representative set of lattice core topologies. Potential advantages of sandwich structures with a lattice core are identified. The significance of partial band gaps is evident in the sound transmission loss characteristics of the panels studied. This work demonstrates that, even without optimization, significant enhancements in sound transmission loss performance can be achieved in truss lattice core sandwich panels compared to a traditional sandwich panel employing a honeycomb core under constant mass constraint.