Analysing transitions from a Turing instability to large periodic patterns in a reaction-diffusion system

Abstract

Abstract Analytically tracking patterns emerging from a small amplitude Turing instability to large amplitude remains a challenge as no general theory exists. In this paper, we consider a three component reaction-diffusion system with one of its components singularly perturbed, this component is known as the fast variable. We develop an analytical theory describing the periodic patterns emerging from a Turing instability using geometric singular perturbation theory. We show analytically that after the initial Turing instability, spatially periodic patterns evolve into a small amplitude spike in the fast variable whose amplitude grows as one moves away from onset. This is followed by a secondary transition where the spike in the fast variable widens, its periodic pattern develops two sharp transitions between two flat states and the amplitudes of the other variables grow. The final type of transition we uncover analytically is where the flat states of the fast variable develop structure in the periodic pattern. The analysis is illustrated and motivated by a numerical investigation. We conclude with a preliminary numerical investigation where we uncover more complicated periodic patterns and snaking-like behaviour that are driven by the three transitions analysed in this paper. This paper provides a crucial step towards understanding how periodic patterns transition from a Turing instability to large amplitude.