Shock wave barrier using multidimensional periodic structures

A shock wave barrier for an asset in a protected area, comprising:

• first and second media arranged in a multidimensional periodic structure having a symmetry, said structure positioned between the protected area and one or more potential explosive detonation threats, said first and second media having different acoustic indices of refraction that provide a local contrast modulation of the acoustic index that in conjunction with the symmetry of the structure defines a band gap in a transmission spectrum of the periodic structure, said first and second media spaced in the periodic structure to position the band gap coincident with the dominant wavelength of the shock wave for one or more potential explosive detonation threats;
• one or more defect cavities in the periodic structure that create a transmission resonance with the band gap that allows energy from the shock wave to pass into the structure where the energy is concentrated within the one or more defect cavities;
• and
• means for dissipating the energy in the one or more defect cavities.