PATTERN-FORMATION ARISING FROM WAVE INSTABILITY IN A SIMPLE REACTION-DIFFUSION SYSTEM

Pattern formation is studied numerically in a three-variable reaction- diffusion model with onset of the oscillatory instability at a finite wavelength. Traveling and standing waves, asymmetric standing-travelin g wave patterns, and target patterns are found. With increasing overcr iticality or system length, basins of attraction of more symmetric pat terns shrink, while less symmetric patterns become stable. Interaction of a defect with an impermeable boundary results in displacement of t he defect. Fusion and splitting of defects are observed. (C) 1995 Amer ican Institute of Physics.