Instability region in models of nonlinear reaction systems. The Stoichiometric Network Analysis

Abstract

Stability analysis of reaction systems is described by the application of the Stoichiometric Network Analysis to the three-variable-autocatalator. Although simple, this model is complex enough to describe complex forms of nonlinear dynamics phenomena, like mixed-mode oscillations and chaos. Therefore, stability analysis of such model is not a trivial task. Using the Stoichiometric Network Analysis for this purpose makes the process clear and leads to the reliable result. The method is described briefly in few general steps and all of them are further clarified through the application to the chosen example. First, the reaction rates in steady state are decomposed to contributions of independent pathways, called extreme currents. Then, linearized operator is constructed. Finally, through the analysis of the principal minors of the essential part of this operator, simple stability criterion is identified.