Stabilization of chaotic behavior in a two-phase autocatalytic reactor

The effect of feed forcing on the chaotic behavior found by Alhumaizi and A ris (Chaos, Solitons & Fractals 1994;4:1985) in the autocatalytic reaction of Gray and Scott (A + 2B -->(k1) 3B, B -->(k2) C), taking place in a two-p hase reactor, is numerically investigated. It is shown that by periodic for cing of the feed flow rate, the chaotic behavior of the reactor can be cont rolled for even small forcing amplitudes or frequencies. The behavior of th e forced system alternates between chaotic and period behavior via period a dding, quasiperiodic and intermittent bifurcations. The results of the stab ilization of the chaotic behavior are summarized in an amplitude-frequency excitation diagram showing the different bifurcation mechanisms. A numerica l investigation has also revealed that the reaction conversion can be impro ved by an appropriate selection of the forcing frequency. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.