Deformation of a self-propelled domain in an excitable reaction-diffusion system

Abstract

We formulate a theory for a self-propelled domain in an excitable reaction-diffusion system in two dimensions where the domain deforms from a circular shape when the propagation velocity is increased. In the singular limit where the width of the domain boundary is infinitesimally thin, we derive a set of equations of motion for the center of gravity and two fundamental deformation modes. The deformed shapes of a steadily propagating domain are obtained. The set of time-evolution equations exhibits a bifurcation from a straight motion to a circular motion by changing the system parameters.