Date Approved

9-8-2026

Embargo Period

9-7-2028

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering

Department

Mechanical Engineering

College

Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering

Advisor

Chen Shen, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

Mitja Trkov, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Amin Nozari, Ph.D.

Committee Member 3

Adriana Trias, Ph.D.

Committee Member 4

Ben Wu, Ph.D.

Abstract

New developments in acoustic metamaterials, metasurfaces, and material-based wave control systems have highlighted the importance of reconfigurable acoustic structures that can adapt to changing environmental and surrounding conditions. In contrast to traditional static systems, reconfigurable acoustic devices enable tunable functionality that can be adapted to specific needs. This dissertation evaluated mechanically reconfigurable acoustic systems for adaptive wave manipulation, sound absorption, and acoustic-driven underwater vehicles. The origami-inspired acoustic retroreflector was developed to achieve adaptive wave retroreflection over a wide range of incident angles through structural tunability. The reconfigurable side-branch Helmholtz resonator system with adjustable cavity height was investigated for broadband acoustic absorption in a duct. The compact wing expansion mechanism was added into an underwater vehicle powered by focused acoustic vortex propulsion FAVP for hydrodynamic stabilization and drag effect. This research highlighted that structural reconfiguration provides an effective means for adaptive acoustic functionality across retroreflectors, resonant absorbers, and acoustic-powered robotic swimmers. This dissertation contributed to the development of reconfigurable acoustic systems for incident wave control, low-frequency noise absorption, and adaptive underwater platforms.

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Available for download on Thursday, September 07, 2028

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