Phase Transitions for Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reactions

TL;DR

This paper investigates the dynamic phase transitions in Belousov-Zhabotinsky reactions, providing criteria to determine the existence and nature of oscillations and equilibria using a recent dynamic transition theory.

Contribution

It introduces new criteria for analyzing phase transitions in BZ reactions and applies a recent dynamic transition theory to characterize these phenomena.

Findings

Criteria for multiple equilibria or oscillations

Complete characterization of transition types

Application of dynamic transition theory to BZ reactions

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to study the dynamic phase transitions associated with the spatial-temporal oscillations of the BZ reactions, given by Field, Koros and Noyes, also referred as the Oregonator. Two criteria are derived to determine 1) existence of either multiple equilibria or spatiotemporal oscillations, and 2) the types of transitions. These criteria gives a complete characterization of the dynamic transitions of the BZ systems from the homogeneous states. The analysis is carried out using a dynamic transition theory developed recently by the authors, which has been successfully applied to a number of problems in science.