Using Optimization Algorithms to Design Phononic Barriers Protecting Monuments or Building Facades

Abstract

The work compares the design of phononic structures using two types of optimization algorithms. Using the genetic algorithm and the simulated annealing algorithm, optimal layer distributions were obtained in which the phononic band gap phenomenon occurs. The mechanical wave propagating in the obtained structure, for the given frequency ranges, significantly reduces the transmitted energy, thanks to which the building facade or monument located behind the obtained barrier is exposed to much smaller vibrations, which significantly reduces damage related to long-term fatigue load. The mechanical wave propagation was modeled using the Transfer Matrix Method algorithm and the proprietary objective function allows for the reduction of wave transmission with the simultaneous reduction of high transmission peaks with small half-widths.