Finite element analysis as a tool to design acoustic metamaterials by a non-expert user

Computational tools such as finite element methods are an extremely powerful tool for design of acoustic metamaterials. The ability of these tools to couple multi-physics such as structural mechanics and acoustics within an off the shelf graphical user interface opens the tools to a wide range of users. It is very easy, however, to use these tools without full understanding of the physics involved, which may lead to non-physical results. Additionally, FEM problems can be limited in their ability to handle large problems, such as 3D geometries, or small features on large parts, requiring simplifications on the part of the user. This presentation will review several acoustic metamaterial case studies where finite element methods are used to predict response of multi-physics problems, and compare those computational studies to experimentally measured results. These case studies will be presented from the perspective of a casual user of computational tools, someone who understands the physics of the problem, but may be limited in fully exploiting the capabilities of specific tools. Discussion will focus on areas where user tools and interfaces could be improved, as well as where shortcuts have been taken and the effect of those shortcuts.