We calculate the spin-wave spectra of two-dimensional composite materi
als consisting of periodic square arrays of parallel cylinders made of
a ferromagnetic material embedded in a ferromagnetic background. Each
material is described by its spontaneous magnetization M(S) and excha
nge constant A. An external static magnetic field is applied along the
direction of the cylinders and both ferromagnetic materials are assum
ed to be magnetized parallel to this magnetic field. We consider the s
pin-waves propagation in the plane perpendicular to the cylinders. We
reveal the existence of gaps in the magnon band structure of composite
systems such as the periodic array of Fe cylinders in an EuO matrix.
We investigate the existence of these gaps in relation to the physical
parameters of the materials involved. We also study the influence of
the lattice parameter (i.e., the square array periodicity) and the eff
ect of the filling fraction of the cylinders on the magnon band struct
ure.