Acoustics at the Nanoscale

Abstract

This article provides an overview of recent research on acoustics at the nanoscale including how recent develop-ments in nanotechnology are being utilised to create advanced acoustic materials that incorporate either carbon nanotubes or graphene as components. Methods to overcome the challenges involved in conducting experimental measurements on relatively small samples to characterise the acoustic performance of the developed acoustic materials are detailed. The acoustic performance of the developed materials is presented and the hypothesised mechanisms for their enhanced performance are described. The simulation tools applicable to modelling acous-tics at the nanoscale have been outlined as well as the challenges faced in modelling the acoustic performance of the developed acoustic materials in the audible frequency range and approaches currently being developed to address these challenges.