We study the stripe rearrangements in microwrinkles subjected to gradual changes in the compression direction. The spatially averaged stripe orientation follows the changing compression direction with a deviation of 3°–4°. Meanwhile, the local stripe orientation stays constant for a certain period and a dislocation gliding nearby causes it to jump suddenly in the direction of compression. This sequence repeatedly occurs over the surface. The regular pattern transiently appears in the stripe orientation as a result of the organized glide motions, indicating the interaction between dislocations.

• Received 30 January 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.73.040601