  We consider the nonlinear propagation of finite amplitude electron-acoustic
waves (EAWs) in multi-component plasmas composed of two distinct groups of
electrons (cold and hot components), and non-isothermal ions. We use the
continuity and momentum equations for cold inertial electrons, Boltzmann law
for inertialess hot electrons, non-isothermal density distribution for hot
ions, and Poisson's equation to derive an energy integral with a modified
Sagdeev potential (MSP) for nonlinear EAWs. The MSP is analyzed to demonstrate
the existence of arbitrary amplitude EA solitary pulses (EASPs) and EA double
layers (EA-DLs). Small amplitude limits have also been considered and
analytical results for EASPs and EA-DLs are presented. The implication of our
results to space and laboratory plasmas is briely discussed.
