Bistability in inhomogeneity—Effects of flow coherent structures on the fate of a bistable reaction

Abstract

We present a numerical study on the mixing process between two stable states of a chemical reaction model. The two stable states of the reactions are found in practice not to coexist, and a single stable state of homogeneous scalar concentration is achieved over long time. With all other parameters fixed, we find the dependence of the final state on the rate of reaction. Interestingly, with the existence of coherent structures, at a range of intermediate rate of reaction, we find that the final state also depends on the initial locations of the scalar impurity. The exact dependence on initial condition is explored in detail. These results lead to the fundamental understanding on the variability of biogeochemical tracers in the environment induced by nonlinear fluid stirring.