The impact of nonlocal coupling on deterministic and stochastic wavefront propagation in an ensemble of bistable oscillators

Abstract: Based on methods of numerical simulation, the constructive role of nonlocal coupling is demonstrated in the context of wavefront propagation observed in an ensemble of overdamped bistable oscillators. Firstly, it is shown that the wavefront propagation can be controlled, i.e. accelerated or slowed down, by varying the strength and radius of nonlocal interactions. This applies to both deterministic and stochastic wavefront propagation. Secondly, nonlocal interactions are found to facilitate preservation of spatial domains and fronts being totally destroyed due to the action of noise in the case of local coupling. In addition, a new finding concerning the action of additive noise is reported: it is shown that additive noise is capable of accelerating front propagation if the local dynamics involves asymmetry.