Continuation methods for time-periodic travelling-wave solutions to evolution equations

Abstract

A numerical continuation method is developed to follow time-periodic travelling wave solutions of both local and non-local evolution partial differential equations (PDEs). It is found that the equation for the speed of the moving coordinate can be derived naturally from the governing equations together with a condition that breaks the translational symmetry. The derived system of equations allows one to follow the branch of travelling-wave solutions as well as solutions that are time-periodic in a frame of reference travelling at a constant speed. Finally, we show as an example the bifurcation and stability analysis of single and double-pulse waves in long-wave models of electrified falling films. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.