Dynamical destabilization of systems characterized by kinetically coupled components using a differential flow

摘要

A method of destabilizing the homogeneous steady state of a dynamical system with two or more dynamically coupled variables through the action of a differential bulk flow of the key species, termed Differential Flow Induced Instability (DIFII), is disclosed. The DIFII is also applicable to systems with time periodic (limit cycle) and aperiodic (chaotic) states. Turing predicted that in systems characterized by activator/inhibitor kinetics a homogeneous, stable steady state of the reactive system may lose its stability and form inhomogeneous patterns due to the interaction of diffusion and reaction when the diffusion coefficient of the inhibitor is sufficiently greater than that of the activator. This mechanism is believed to form the basis of biological morphogenesis. The method of the present invention avoids this constraint on the diffusivities in the dynamically coupled two component system by using a differential bulk flow between the activator and the inhibitor species rather than a differential diffusivity. In systems with three (or more) dynamically coupled components the requirement of the presence of an activator species (or subsystem) is relaxed and if there is no activator species (or subsystem) present, the system may be destabilized by a differential flow of its components, in contrast to systems of two dynamical variables. Technological advantages such as reaction yield enhancement are shown. The method disclosed herein is shown to be applicable to a wide range of systems including chemical, biological and physical.