Assuming no more than an undergraduate knowledge of chemistry, the authors take the reader through the necessary mathematical and theoretical background of oscillating reactions, chaos and chemical waves to advanced topics of current research interest in chemical systems, including applications biology and polymers. Demonstrations and laboratory experiments are also presented.
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.
'A beginner in any discipline could use it for research inspiration and as a starting point....The last chapter is a delightful treatment of the fascinating realm of mixing processes. Chemical recipes are given in the appendixes...It is for any chemist,physicist,biologist, or mathmatician, from the undergradute to the professor, who wishes to be introduced to this beautiful area' Chemical Intelligencer
