COMPLEX DYNAMICS OF SPIRAL WAVES AND MOTION OF CURVES

In this review paper we consider spiral waves in weakly excitable medi a where they can be described using a simple kinematical model. The mo del is formulated in terms of the motion of curves with free ends. The se curves can grow or contract while moving over a plane. A steadily r otating spiral is a dynamical attractor of such a system. Application of spatial gradients or temporal modulation of the medium's properties induce drift of spirals. When interactions between the curves are tak en into account, this results in appearance of complex meandering regi mes.