Pattern formation in the
Extended Fisher Kolmogorov equation
Dr. William C. Troy
Department of Mathematics
University of Pittsburgh
The classical second order Fisher-Kolmogorov equation has played an important role in studies of pattern formation in bistable physical systems. A natural extension of this equation was proposed in 1987 as a prototype model for higher order bistable systems. Depending on the value of the coefficient of the highest order derivative, the equation exhibits a plethora of complicated patterns. These include multi-bump periodic solutions, kinks, solitons, and chaos. We will discuss a method of analysis which leads to simple existence proofs of such patterns.
Remark: Dr. Troy will also present a talk in the Chemistry Colloquium on Monday, March 29 at 4 p.m. in Chemistry 109 titled "Solutions of the one dimensional Ginzburg-Landau model of superconductivity".
Thursday, 25 March 1999
4:10 p.m. in MA 109
Coffee/Tea/Treats 3:30 p.m. in MA 104 (Lounge)
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