Forced symmetry-breaking of square lattice planforms (Q2494263)

The authors present a partial classification of the forced symmetry-breaking of square planforms both for the four- and eight-dimensional representations. The influence of small perturbations equivariant with respect to a certain subgroup of the \(D_4\dot{+}T^2\) group of square lattices is studied. It is shown the persistence of certain equilibria and the existence of heteroclinic cycles and networks. Naturally the eight-dimensional case turns out to be more complicated. However, all types of heteroclinic behaviour that can occur here are qualitatively enumerated for all sensible and relevant perturbations arising in application. The advantages of the symmetry method consist of the model-independence of the result, which are applicable in various physical systems modelled by \(E(2)\)-equivariant PDEs (Rayleigh-Bénard convection, Faraday waves, reaction-diffusion systems, two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations, the visual cortex and liquid crystals).