  In this work, we propose and test a strategy for tunable, broadband wave
attenuation in electromechanical waveguides with shunted piezoelectric
inclusions. Our strategy is built upon the vast pre-existing literature on
vibration attenuation and bandgap generation in structures featuring periodic
arrays of piezo patches, but distinguishes itself for several key features.
First, we demystify the idea that periodicity is a requirement for wave
attenuation and bandgap formation. We further embrace the idea of "organized
disorder" by tuning the circuits as to resonate at distinct neighboring
frequencies. In doing so, we create a tunable "rainbow trap" [Tsakmakidis et
al. Nature 450, 397-401 (2007)] capable of attenuating waves with broadband
characteristics, by "distilling" (sequentially) seven frequencies from a
traveling wavepacket. Finally, we devote considerable attention to the
implications in terms of packet distortion of the spectral manipulation
introduced by shunting. This work is also meant to serve as a didactic tool for
those approaching the field of shunted piezoelectrics, and attempts to provide
a different perspective, with abundant details, on how to successfully design
an experimental setup involving resistive-inductive shunts.
