Nonlinear dynamics of two-dimensional undercompressive shocks

We consider the problem of a thin film driven by a thermal gradient with an opposing gravitational force. Under appropriate conditions, an advancing film front develops a leading undercompressive shock followed by a trailing compressive shock. Here, we investigate the nonlinear dynamics of these shock structures that describe a surprisingly stable advancing front. We compare two-dimensional simulations with linear stability theory, shock theory, and experimental results. The theory/experiment considers the propagation of information through the undercompressive shock towards the trailing compressive shock. We show that a local perturbation interacting with the undercompressive shock leads to nonlocal effects at the compressive shock.