Spatial disorder and waves in a ring chain of bistable oscillators

Abstract

Using analytical and numerical methods we analyze the phenomenon of spatial disorder and also travelling wave propagation in a ring of coupled bistable oscillators. We show the existence of space-homogeneous and space-inhomogeneous waves. We also provide the linear stability of these solutions. Moreover, we discuss the role of the bistability of the unit oscillator and point out a specific property, genuine of the discreteness of the chain.