Modulation of the shape and speed of a chemical wave in an unstirred Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction by a rotating magnet

Abstract

The objective of this study was to observe whether a rotating magnetic field (RMF) could change the anomalous chemical wave propagation induced by a moderate-intensity gradient static magnetic field (SMF) in an unstirred Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. The application of the SMF (maximum magnetic flux density = 0.22 T, maximum magnetic flux density gradient = 25.5 T/m, and peak magnetic force product (flux density × gradient) = 4 T(2) /m) accelerated the propagation velocity in a two-dimensional pattern. Characteristic anomalous patterns of the wavefront shape were generated and the patterns were dependent on the SMF distribution. The deformation and increase in the propagation velocity were diminished by the application of an RMF at a rotation rate of 1 rpm for a few minutes. Numerical simulation by means of the time-averaged value of the magnetic flux density gradient or the MF gradient force over one rotation partially supported the experimental observations. These considerations suggest that RMF exposure modulates the chemical wave propagation and that the degree of modulation could be, at least in part, dependent on the time-averaged MF distribution over one rotation. Bioelectromagnetics 34:220-230, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Barriers to front propagation in laminar, three-dimensional fluid flows

“…The electrical current and imposed electrical field (< 0.1 V/cm) are small enough to avoid significant effects on the front propagation speed [26]. Measurements of front speeds without an electrical current also indicate a negligible effect from the permanent magnets [27]. We also neglect curvature effects on front speeds [1].…”