Archetypal response patterns for open chemical systems with two components

Abstract

The dynamics of nonlinear, dissipative systems have become a centre of interest in many fields. Autocatalysis, whether encountered in biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry or combustion, offers a perplexing variety of nonlinear behaviour which is gradually being codified. Archetypal model systems simple enough to be analysed deeply (or computed informatively) are of the greatest value not only in revealing how little is needed to generate great variety in behaviour, but also in understanding exactly how it arises. We consider here the simplest of open systems (CTSR) and see how far the isothermal scheme: A + 2B -» 3B ; B -> C goes to explaining the existence of alternative oscillatory patterns in the oxygen—hydrogen reaction.