Reaction-diffusion waves Homogeneous and inhomogeneous effects

Abstract

Experimental evidence for the spontaneous formation of spiral waves and crossing wave patterns for the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction in solution are presented. Also observed are so-called ‘lateral instabilities’ with the spontaneous deformation of circular fronts in systems of low excitability. Lateral instabilities in resin-based systems, with the redox catalyst immobilised on ion-exchange beads, and the effect of the ageing of solutions, are also reported.