Order parameter equations for front transitions: Nonuniformly curved fronts (Q1964257)

Kinematic equations for the motion of slowly propagating, weakly curved fronts in bistable media are derived. The equations generalize earlier derivations where algebraic relations between the normal front velocity and its curvature are assumed. The kinematic equations consist of coupled integro-differential equations for the front curvature and the front velocity, the order parameter associated with the Ising-Bloch (NIB) bifurcation. They capture the NIB bifurcation, the instabilities of Ising and Bloch fronts to transverse perturbations, the core structure of a spiral wave, and the dynamic process of spiral wave nucleation. The numerical solutions indicate a very good approximation of the system behaviour.