The potential of phononic sound diffusers (PSD)

Abstract

Although periodic structures theory gave rise to sound diffusers almost 40 years ago, it has been only in recent years when several authors regarded the possible application of a particular kind of periodic structures, phononic crystals, in the field on room acoustics. This paper explores the possible application of periodic structures used as sound diffusers in rooms. Preliminary simulations, carried out with FDTD, shows that due to the inherent time spreading provided by a periodic structure, they can be used to reduce, or even to eliminate, pernicious effects associated with the low frequency modes of the room.