Non-linear Astrochemical Kinetics

Gwenaelle Dufour

Post doctorate
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Wed, February 1, 2023 - 4:00 PM
Karl Herzfeld Auditorium of Hannan Hall - Rm 108

The systems of differential equations governing the kinetics of chemical reaction networks can exhibit a wide range of nonlinear dynamical phenomena: limit cycles, complex oscillations and chaos can all emerge from stable stationary solutions, subject to variation of externally-controlled bifurcation parameters. One signpost of possible non-linear chemical kinetics is the presence of bistability in the stationary solutions of the associated system of differential equations.

Furthermore, bistability is special as it indicates that a chemical evolution can develop in completely different directions. To expand the understanding of chemical composition in space, it is important to characterize these processes theoretically. This work presents an overall description of the recent discoveries and analysis of nonlinear dynamical phenomena present in interstellar dark clouds.

Refreshments served at 3:45 PM

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