We study theoretically the propagation of lower-order Lamb waves in one-dimensional composite thin plates. The dispersion curves of Lamb modes propagating parallel to the surfaces of the thin plates in the periodic direction are calculated based on the plane wave expansion method. The existence of band gaps for low-order Lamb wave modes is demonstrated in the systems made of alternating strips of tungsten materials and silicon resin. The finite element method is employed to calculate the transmitted power spectra, which is in good agreement with the results by plane wave exposition. A crucial parameter, i.e., the ratio of the plate thickness $\left(L\right)$ to the lattice spacing $\left(D\right)$, is discussed in detail for the influence of formation of band gaps.

• Received 8 October 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.73.094307