Chemical Waves and Patterns

This book focuses on the recent developments that have taken place in the experimental and theoretical study of pattern formation in chemically reacting systems. The major developments have centered around the study of spiral waves in excitable and oscillatory media, chemical wave propagation processes and Turing patterns. On the experimental side the use of continuously-fed unstirred reactors and reactors involving gels or porous media have opened up the possibility of controlled studies of spiral wave dynamics and the discovery of new types of dynamics and interactions. The use of digital imaging methods has allowed both visualization and quantitative study of such chemical waves. The experimental observation of Turing and Turing-like patterns in chemical systems has led to a rapid development of work in this area. To our knowledge there is no book that surveys the considerable progress that has taken place, and this volume, containing contributions by leading researchers in the field, aims to put into perspective recent advances and to set the stage for future developments. §For researchers and postgraduates in chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology and chemical engineering, plus departmental and central libraries.