Consequences derived from the results of the theory of systems of parabolic
equations were used in the analysis of the behavior of thermal switching w
aves and their propagation velocity in a cooled composite superconductor at
different coverages by a nonconductive coating. The value of the minimum n
ormal zone propagation current was also studied, taking into account the lo
cal nonlinearity of the specific resistance of the composite. (C) 2001 MAIK
"Nauka/Interperiodica".