Front propagation sustained by additive noise

The effect of noise in a motionless front between a periodic spatial state and an homogeneous one is studied. Numerical simulations show that noise induces front propagation. From the subcritical Swift-Hohenberg equation with noise, we deduce an adequate equation for the envelope and the core of the front. The equation of the core of the front is characterized by an asymmetrical periodic potential plus additive noise. The conversion of random fluctuations into direct motion of the core of the front is responsible of the propagation. We obtain an analytical expression for the velocity of the front, which is in good agreement with numerical simulations. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.