An Introduction to Nonlinear Chemical Dynamics: Oscillations, Waves, Patterns, and Chaos

Just a few decades ago, chemical oscillations were thought to be exotic reactions of only theoretical interest.Now known to govern an array of physical and biological processes, including the regulation of the heart, these oscillations are being studied by a diverse group across the sciences. This book is the first introduction to nonlinear chemical dynamics written specifically for chemists. It covers oscillating reactions, chaos, and chemical pattern formation, and includes numerous practical suggestions on reactor design, data analysis, and computer simulations. Assuming only an undergraduate knowledge of chemistry, the book is an ideal starting point for research in the field. The book begins with a brief history of nonlinear chemical dynamics and a review of the basic mathematics and chemistry. The authors then provide an extensive overview of nonlinear dynamics, starting with the flow reactor and moving on to a detailed discussion of chemical oscillators. Throughout the authors emphasize the chemical mechanistic basis for self-organization. The overview is followed by a series of chapters on more advanced topics, including complex oscillations, biological systems, polymers, interactions between fields and waves, and Turing patterns. Underscoring the hands-on nature of the material, the book concludes with a series of classroom-tested demonstrations and experiments appropriate for an undergraduate laboratory.An Introduction to Nonlinear Chemical Dynamics: Oscillations, Waves, Patterns, and Chaos is written by Irving R. Epstein; John A. Pojman and published by Oxford University Press. ISBNs for An Introduction to Nonlinear Chemical Dynamics are 9780198025665, 0198025661 and the print ISBNs are 9780195096705, 0195096703.