Transition from an unstable synchronization state with transient oscillation cessations to spiral rotation in a coupled chemical oscillator system

Spatiotemporal patterns of chemical wave propagation in the assemblies of nine cation-exchange beads loaded with the catalyst ferroin of Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction are reported. The beads are immersed in the reaction mixture, on which periodic chemical waves are emerged. In the bead assemblies, abrupt changes of initiation site and direction of the periodic chemical waves were observed. In some cases, it was observed that transient oscillation cessations and the following rotating spiral wave occur. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.