Stabilization of chaotic behavior in a two-phase autocatalytic reactor

The effect of feed forcing on the chaotic behavior found by Alhumaizi and Aris (Chaos, Solitons & Fractals 1994;4:1985) in the autocatalytic reaction of Gray and Scott , taking place in a two-phase reactor, is numerically investigated. It is shown that by periodic forcing of the feed flow rate, the chaotic behavior of the reactor can be controlled for even small forcing amplitudes or frequencies. The behavior of the forced system alternates between chaotic and period behavior via period adding, quasi-periodic and intermittent bifurcations. The results of the stabilization of the chaotic behavior are summarized in an amplitude–frequency excitation diagram showing the different bifurcation mechanisms. A numerical investigation has also revealed that the reaction conversion can be improved by an appropriate selection of the forcing frequency.