Observation of micropolar modes in the transmission of acoustic waves at oblique incidence by polystyrene plates

This study investigates micropolar plates through the analysis of transmitted acoustic waves at various incident angles. Using a combined theoretical and experimental approach, we explore the non-classical elasto-dynamic behavior of these materials. Theoretical transmission coefficients are tailored to highlight generalized Lamb modes and a new type of vibration mode called micropolar modes, considering the constant thickness of the plate and the effects of material micropolarity on linear elasticity. Overlaying diverse transmission coefficients for different angles provides insight into micropolar behavior, aiding in the understanding of mode evolution in the frequency domain and the estimation of the critical angle. We employ two types of low-density closed-cell foams made from polystyrene (expanded in one case, extruded in the other), covering a frequency range from 4 to 60 kHz using a tweeter loudspeaker and a microphone integrated with a National Instruments acquisition system. Identification of the first vibration mode of the plates is facilitated by the frequency range rich in low frequencies. Additionally, all responses exhibit supersonic velocities with substantial attenuations. The originality of this paper is twofold: it provides theoretical predictions of micropolar modes, along with their experimental observations above a critical angle of incidence. Consequently, this research enriches our understanding of micropolar materials and their potential contribution to effective noise reduction strategies in acoustic engineering.