Description:

Speaker:

Simbarashe Nkomo, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Oxford College of Emory University

Title:

Exploring the Emergence of Complex Dynamics in Network of Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) Oscillators

Abstract: 

The study of complex systems permeates diverse scientific domains and engineering applications. Through the lens of a nonlinear chemical oscillator, the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, we explore the occurrence of complex behaviors in small and large oscillator networks. Using both experiments and theoretical models, we demonstrate the role of coupling strength, coupling mode, initial conditions, and system heterogeneities in the emergence of complex dynamics such as mixed periods, period cycling, and chimera states. We use phase response curves to provide mechanistic insight into how the oscillators’ phases during interactions contribute to the onset of complex dynamics. Our results show that even slight perturbations with correct timing of phases can cause the system to transit from periodic oscillations to more complex behaviors. These studies offer potential strategies for controlling complex dynamics in other real-world applications such as neuronal networks.

Speaker Bio:

Simbarashe (Simba) Nkomo is Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Emory University (Oxford College). His research interests are in chemical nonlinear dynamics, specifically on complex synchronization dynamics in experimental and theoretical BZ models, and chemical predictive toxicity models. Simba has research published in Nature Physics, Physical Review Letters, and Chaos: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science. 

Location:

In person: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster Street, Lower Level
Remote option: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/97359095225
Passcode: NICO2024

About the Speaker Series:

Wednesdays@NICO is a vibrant weekly seminar series focusing broadly on the topics of complex systems, data science and network science. It brings together attendees ranging from graduate students to senior faculty who span all of the schools across Northwestern, from applied math to sociology to biology and every discipline in-between. Please visit: https://bit.ly/WedatNICO for information on future speakers.