Front blocking and propagation in cylinders with varying cross section (Q2628968)

This paper considers a bistable reaction-diffusion equation in unbounded domains and investigates geometric conditions under which propagation, possibly partial, takes place in some direction or, on the contrary, there is a blocking phenomenon. Well-posedness of the problem is proved. Then it is proved that when the domain has a decreasing cross section with respect to the direction of propagation there is complete propagation. It is proved that the wave can be blocked as it comes through an abrupt opening. Finally various general geometrical properties that ensure either partial or complete invasion by 1 is discussed. It is shown that in a domain that is ``star-shaped'' with respect to an axis, there is complete invasion by 1.