Comparison of the transmission properties of self-similar, periodic, and random multilayers at normal incidence.

The effect of self-similarity on acoustic and elastic wave propagation at normal incidence is investigated using Classical Cantor and Fibonacci multilayered structures. They are made of two sorts of orthotropic plies having differently oriented orthotropic axes with respect to the propagation direction. The properties of their transmission coefficient are presented using a unidirectional numerical model based on a transfer matrix formalism. It was found that stack self-similarity influences the acoustic transmission properties. Transmission coefficients of self-similar stacks present a self-similar shape and behavior. A self-similar process, applied to layer orientation allows multilayered stacks to be created. A thickness-equivalent model was developed to compare these structures with standard self-similar multilayers which are finally compared to periodic and random stacks. The transmission coefficient of a deterministic self-similar Fibonacci structure is similar to that of an averaged transmission coefficient of random stacks.