Aesthetic-inspired bandgap design in phononic crystal plates.

This study proposes an aesthetic-inspired design methodology for phononic crystal (PnC) plates by systematically incorporating classical aesthetic principles-such as the golden ratio, mirror symmetry, curvature smoothness, and visual balance-into the parametric modeling and simulation process. Star-shaped unit cell geometries were designed and analyzed to investigate how aesthetically inspired features affect phononic bandgap characteristics. Numerical results reveal that while curvature smoothness primarily enhances visual appeal, symmetry and visual balance significantly influence the position and width of the bandgap. Specifically, the application of the golden ratio led to wider and more visually harmonious bandgaps, while intentional symmetry-breaking enabled topological bandgap opening. Two representative unit cell designs are proposed that successfully integrate aesthetic considerations with functional performance. This study underscores the potential of aesthetic principles not only as a means to enhance the visual and structural coherence of phononic crystals, but also as an effective design strategy for functional optimization. By bridging geometry, aesthetics, and mechanics, the findings establish a novel pathway for creating multifunctional architected materials that combine structural integrity, acoustic performance, and visual refinement, thereby broadening the scope of applications in acoustic devices, vibration control, and structural engineering.