Topology optimization combined with a genetic algorithm to design structured materials for underwater broadband acoustic absorption

This paper applies topology optimization in combination with a genetic algorithm to design a coating structure for sound absorption in underwater applications. The coating is designed with a high broadband acoustic absorption of 0.94 ranging from 1 to 10 kHz by optimizing the cavity topology and the dimensions of the embedded steel scatterers. This study demonstrates the application process of the topology optimization with a genetic algorithm method and the optimization results of the optimization process stages. The absorption mechanism of the topology design is analyzed. The effects of different cavity compositions, steel scatterers, design ideas, material parameters, and acoustic incident angles on the sound absorption coefficients are investigated. These acoustic structures and the method provide more ideas for the design of coating structures for underwater sound absorption.