Nonlinear dynamics of self-oscillating polymer gels (Q617180)

The authors have studied the self-oscillating behavior of Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) gels using the nonlinear dynamics theory and an Oregonator-like model, with focus placed upon the influences of various system parameters. From the analysis of the oscillation phase, we can find that the dynamic response of BZ gels represents the classical limit cycle oscillation. They also investigated the characteristics of the limit cycle oscillation and quantified the influences of key parameters on the self-oscillating behavior of BZ gels. The results demonstrated that sustained limit cycle oscillation of BZ gels can be achieved only when these key parameters meet certain requirements, and that the pattern, period and amplitude of the oscillation are significantly influenced by these parameters. The results obtained in this study could enable the controlled self-oscillation of BZ gels system. This has several potential applications such as controlled drug delivery, miniature peristaltic pumps and microactuators.