THE PROPAGATION OF ISOTHERMAL REACTION-DIFFUSION WAVES IN COUPLED AUTOCATALYTIC SYSTEMS

The initiation of reaction-diffusion travelling waves in two regions, each governed by simple isothermal kinetics, is considered when the tw o regions are coupled together. The basic reaction in each region is q uadratic autocatalysis with the decay of the autocatalyst to an inert product in just one of the regions being allowed. The situation when t he coupling is achieved via the reactant is discussed in detail and co mpared with previous results obtained when the coupling is via the aut ocatalyst. Substantial differences both in the conditions for the form ation of travelling waves and in their ultimate propagation speed are seen between the two coupling mechanisms. The permanent-form travellin g wave structure is shown to depend on the initial input of autocataly st when the coupling is via the reactant, which is not the case when t he coupling is via the autocatalyst.