Multiple-scattering theory for out-of-plane propagation of elastic waves in two-dimensional phononic crystals.

We extend the multiple-scattering theory (MST) to out-of-plane propagating elastic waves in 2D periodical composites by taking into account the full vector character. The formalism for both the band structure calculation and the reflection and transmission coefficient calculation for finite slabs is presented. The latter is based on a double-layer scheme, which obtains the reflection and transmission matrix elements for the multilayer slab from those of a single layer. Being more rapid in both the band structure and the transmission coefficient calculations for out-of-plane propagating elastic waves, our approach especially shows great advantages in handling the systems with mixed solid and fluid components, for which the conventional plane wave approach fails. As the applications of the formalism, we calculate the band structure as well as the transmission coefficients through finite slabs for systems with lead rods in an epoxy host, steel rods in a water host and water rods in a PMMA host.