Non-reciprocity induces resonances in a two-field Cahn–Hilliard model

Abstract

We consider a non-reciprocally coupled two-field Cahn–Hilliard system that has been shown to allow for oscillatory behaviour and suppression of coarsening. After introducing the model, we first review the linear stability of steady uniform states and show that all instability thresholds are identical to the ones for a corresponding two-species reaction–diffusion system. Next, we consider a specific interaction of linear modes—a ‘Hopf–Turing’ resonance—and derive the corresponding amplitude equations using a weakly nonlinear approach. We discuss the weakly nonlinear results and finally compare them with fully nonlinear simulations for a specific conserved amended FitzHugh–Nagumo system. We conclude with a discussion of the limitations of the employed weakly nonlinear approach.This article is part of the theme issue ‘New trends in pattern formation and nonlinear dynamics of extended systems’.