A multi-dimensional bistable nonlinear diffusion equation in a periodic medium

Abstract

In this work we study the existence of wave solutions for a scalar reaction-diffusion equation of bistable type posed in a multi-dimensional periodic medium. Roughly speaking our result states that bistability ensures the existence of waves for both balanced and unbalanced reaction term. Here the term wave is used to describe either pulsating travelling wave or standing transition solution. As a special case we study a two-dimensional heterogeneous Allen–Cahn equation in both cases of slowly varying medium and rapidly oscillating medium. We prove that bistability occurs in these two situations and we conclude to the existence of waves connecting \(u = 0\) and \(u = 1\). Moreover in a rapidly oscillating medium we derive a sufficient condition that guarantees the existence of pulsating travelling waves with positive speed in each direction.