Numerical Multiscale Methods for Waves in High-Contrast Media

Abstract Multiscale high-contrast media can cause astonishing wave propagation phenomena through resonance effects. For instance, waves could be exponentially damped independent of the incident angle or waves could be re-focused as through a lense. In this review article, we discuss the numerical treatment of wave propagation through multiscale high-contrast media at the example of the Helmholtz equation. First, we briefly summarize the findings of analytical homogenization theory, which inspire the design of numerical methods and indicate interesting regimes for simulation. In the main part, we discuss two different classes of numerical multiscale methods and focus on how to treat especially high-contrast media. Some elements of a priori error analysis are discussed as well. Various numerical simulations showcase the applicability of the numerical methods to explore unusual wave phenomena, for instance exponential damping and lensing with flat interfaces.