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Heterogeneity-stabilized homogeneous states in driven media.
Zachary G Nicolaou1, Daniel J Case1, Ernest B van der Wee1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
Nature Communications
|July 24, 2021
Summary
Introducing asymmetry can stabilize otherwise unstable systems, a phenomenon termed heterogeneity-stabilized homogeneity. This finding offers new strategies for controlling instabilities in engineered and natural systems.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Nonlinear Dynamics
- Pattern Formation
Background:
- Symmetry breaking is fundamental to pattern formation in driven systems.
- Symmetry-breaking instabilities can lead to undesirable states.
- Controlling these instabilities is a significant scientific challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how system asymmetry can stabilize states prone to symmetry-breaking instabilities.
- To introduce and define the concept of heterogeneity-stabilized homogeneity.
- To explore potential applications in mitigating instabilities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized parametric resonance as a model process.
- Developed theoretical models using driven pendulum arrays.
- Experimentally demonstrated the effect using Faraday wave instabilities.
Main Results:
- Showed that system asymmetry can preserve and stabilize states destabilized by symmetry-breaking.
- Introduced and validated the concept of heterogeneity-stabilized homogeneity.
- Illustrated the stabilization of homogeneous states in heterogeneous systems.
Conclusions:
- Heterogeneity-stabilized homogeneity offers a novel mechanism for controlling instabilities.
- Results have implications for mitigating instabilities in engineered systems.
- Provides insights into the emergence of homogeneous states in natural heterogeneous systems.
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