Attenuation and localization of waves in taut cables with a discrete array of scatter elements

This work analyzes structural waves that propagate freely along taut cables, characterized by a discrete array of scatter elements. The outcomes underline the role played by the periodic distribution of such elements, whose presence alters the response of the system when subjected to propagating waves. Namely, when the domain is perfectly periodic, band gaps are found in the spectrum of the problem. It is also shown that the introduction of a defect of periodicity can lead to the appearance of eigenvalues inside band gaps, corresponding to a motion localized around the defect.