Optimization of dispersive coefficients in the homogenization of the wave equation in periodic structures

We study dispersive effects of wave propagation in periodic media, which can be modelled by adding a fourth-order term in the homogenized equation. The corresponding fourth-order dispersive tensor is called Burnett tensor and we numerically optimize its values in order to minimize or maximize dispersion. More precisely, we consider the case of a two-phase composite medium with an eightfold symmetry assumption of the periodicity cell in two space dimensions. We obtain upper and lower bound for the dispersive properties, along with optimal microgeometries.