The selection problem for propagating fronts is considered for a multiple-mode semilinear parabolic partial differential equation describing front propagation phenomena in a two-space diblock copolymer melt. Several regimes, defined by the value of a reduced temperature appearing in the equation, displaying qualitatively different types of behavior, are identified. It is found that for any value of the reduced temperature in a certain range there exists a unique selected solution. Outside of this range, however, for any value of the reduced temperature, there exist multiple physically realizable solutions. The mechanism responsible for this behavior is identified, and, based on its very generic nature, it is conjectured that similar behavior should be exhibited by a large class of systems. An experimental method for observing the front propagation phenomena is proposed.

• Received 20 July 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.51.3280