Solitary wave families of a generalized microstructure PDE

Wave propagation in a generalized microstructure PDE, under the Mindlin relations, is considered. Limited analytic results exist for the occurrence of one family of solitary wave solutions of these equations. Since solitary wave solutions often play a central role in the long-time evolution of an initial disturbance, we consider such solutions here (via normal form approach) within the framework of reversible systems theory. Besides confirming the existence of the known family of solitary waves, we find a continuum of delocalized solitary waves (or homoclinics to small-amplitude periodic orbits). On isolated curves in the relevant parameter region, the delocalized waves reduce to genuine embedded solitons. The new family of solutions occur in regions of parameter space distinct from the known solitary wave solutions and are thus entirely new. Directions for future work are also mentioned.