STEADY-STATE AUTOWAVE PATTERNS IN A 2-DIMENSIONAL EXCITABLE MEDIUM WITH A BAND OF DIFFERENT EXCITABILITY

A kinematic approach is used to construct steady-state traveling wave patterns iii a two-dimensional excitable medium with a band of differe nt excitability. New stationary autowave structures of bell like shape are shown to exist when the excitability in a band is decreased compa red to surrounding areas. The front profiles of the patterns and their propagation velocities are evaluated. Total internal reflection of wa ves from a band of higher excitability is predicted. The failure of st eady-state propagation because of the critical curvature effect is dis cussed.