On the robustness of the topological derivative for Helmholtz problems and applications

Abstract We consider Helmholtz problems in two and three dimensions. The topological sensitivity of a given cost function J(u∈) with respect to a small hole B∈ around a given point x0 ∈ B∈ ⊂ Ω depends on various parameters, like the frequency k chosen or certain material parameters or even the shape parameters of the hole B∈. These parameters are either deliberately chosen in a certain range, as, e.g., the frequencies, or are known only up to some bounds. The problem arises as to whether one can obtain a uniform design using the topological gradient. We show that for 2-d and 3-d Helmholtz problems such a robust design is achievable.