Weakly coupled fluid-structure interaction between wall-bounded turbulent flows and defect-embedded phononic subsurfaces

We investigate the interaction between wall-bounded turbulence and defect-embedded phononic subsurface (D-Psub) using a weakly coupled fluid–structure framework, in which the flow and structure are advanced sequentially without sub-iterations. The D-Psub subsurface is modeled as a dynamic wall with a resonance introduced via a localized structural defect, driven by spatially averaged wall-pressure fluctuations from a turbulent channel flow. This configuration enables a controlled study of how a narrow-band structural response interacts with the broadband forcing of near-wall turbulence. Despite broadband turbulent forcing, the D-Psub exhibits a narrow-band response that modifies near-wall dynamics, with representative cases showing suppression of velocity fluctuations, increased coherence of streamwise streaks, and a measurable reduction in turbulent drag. Crucially, the coupled system displays behavior that cannot be replicated by prescribed wall motion: the dominant oscillation frequency shifts away from the designed resonance due to fluid–structure interaction. Additionally, the phase between panels is shown to be governed by the convection of turbulent structures. These results reveal a mechanism by which phononic subsurfaces filter and reorganize turbulent energy through frequency-selective coupling, distinct from conventional compliant or actively forced walls. The findings provide a physical basis for designing passive resonant surfaces that exploit turbulence-structure coupling for flow control.