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Published on: June 8, 2018
Coherent wave patterns sustained by a localized inhomogeneity in an excitable medium
Bing-Wei Li1, Hong Zhang, He-Ping Ying
1Zhejiang Institute of Modern Physics and Department of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
Summary
Localized inhomogeneities can transform chaotic states into organized wave patterns like spiral and target waves in excitable systems. These coherent patterns suppress turbulence and ultimately control the system dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Complex Systems
- Nonlinear Dynamics
- Chemical Kinetics
Background:
- Excitable reaction-diffusion systems exhibit complex spatiotemporal dynamics, often leading to chaotic states.
- Localized inhomogeneities can perturb these systems, influencing emergent behaviors.
- Understanding pattern formation from chaos is crucial in various scientific fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of localized inhomogeneities on spatiotemporal chaos in excitable reaction-diffusion systems.
- To determine if coherent wave patterns can emerge from chaotic states due to inhomogeneities.
- To analyze the mechanisms behind inhomogeneity-sustained coherent wave patterns.
Main Methods:
- Simulations of a reaction-diffusion model with localized oscillatory or stationary inhomogeneities.
- Analysis of emergent wave patterns, including spiral and target waves.
- Comparison of system behavior with and without inhomogeneities.
Main Results:
- Localized inhomogeneities can induce coherent wave patterns (spiral, target waves) from chaotic states.
- Emergent coherent patterns suppress pre-existing turbulent waves.
- The entire system becomes entrained by the induced coherent wave patterns.
- Mechanisms for pattern sustainment differ between oscillatory and stationary inhomogeneities.
Conclusions:
- Localized inhomogeneities are effective in organizing chaotic dynamics in excitable systems.
- Coherent wave patterns can be generated and sustained by specific types of inhomogeneities.
- The study reveals distinct underlying mechanisms for pattern formation based on inhomogeneity type.
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