Multiple-scattering theory for three-dimensional periodic acoustic composites

We present results for acoustic wave propagation in periodic composites consisting of solid spheres in a fluid host. We show that for solid scatterers in fluid host material combinations the extensively used plane-wave method is inadequate to produce accurate results and a new approach is required. Our band-structure results are obtained by using a multiple-scattering approach based on an extension of the well-known Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method.