Asymmetric steady states revisited

Abstract

Alternative steady states of a multistable kinetic system can be attained at different locations along a catalytic surface. Propagation of resulting sharp concentration and/or temperature fronts leads to restoration of uniformity, unless special mechanisms come into action to preserve the emerging pattern. Two mechanisms leading to stabilization of asymmetric steady states are described here. The first one, called a global regulator, involves rapid pattern generation due to isothermal kinetics with forward inhibition or backward activation and freezing of propagating concentration fronts into steady inhomogeneities due to slow thermal interactions. Oscillatory solutions (swinging waves) with undulating motion of concentration fronts can be also generated this way. Another mechanism, called a landscape variegator, is based on modification of a catalyst under the influence of local reaction conditions corresponding to alternative homogeneous steady states which results in preservation of these states on stretches of the surface where they once have emerged.