Asymptotics of reaction-diffusion fronts with one static and one diffusing reactant (Q1590019)

The large time behaviour of a reaction-diffusion front between one static reactant \(A\) and one initially separated diffusing reactant \(B\) is analyzed for the mean-field reaction-rate density \(R(\rho_A,\rho_B)= k\rho^m_A \rho^n_B\). A uniformly valid asymptotic approximation is constructed from matched selfsimilar solutions in a reaction front and a diffusion layer. The limiting solutions exists if and only if \(m, n\geq 1\). In the diffusion layer, the common ad hoc approximation of neglecting reactions is given, mathematical justification and the exact transient decay of the reaction rate is derived. The physical effects of higher-order kinetics \((m,n> 1)\) are also discussed.