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Multiple Front Propagation in a Potential Non-Gradient System,

San Miguel, M.; Montagne, R.; Amengual, A.; Hernández-García, E.
Instabilities and Nonequilibrium Structures V, Eds. E. Tirapegui and W. Zeller , Kluwer Academic Publishers 85-97 (1996)

A classification of dynamical systems in terms of their variational properties is reviewed. Within this classification, front propagation is discussed in a non-gradient relaxational potential flow. The model is motivated by transient pattern phenomena in nematics. A front propagating into an unstable homogeneous state leaves behind an unstable periodic pattern, which decays via a second front and a second periodic state. An interface between unstable periodic states is shown to be a source of propagating fronts in opposite directions.