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Coexistence of patterned phases in chemically active multicomponent mixtures

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: Chemically active mixtures exhibit complex patterns that emerge from the interplay of physical interactions and reactions among components. Individually, these two processes are well-understood: Physical interactions can give rise to phase separation, whereas reactions can form reaction-diffusion patterns. To understand the combination of both processes, we identify a Lyapunov functional for a class of chemical reactions. By minimizing this functional, we identify a generalized Gibbs phase rule that governs the number of coexisting patterns, and we demonstrate that complex patterns can be created by the modular combination of independent phases. Our theory unveils complex stationary patterns in chemically active mixtures and provides a framework for analyzing more complex systems.

Source: arXiv (Cornell University)

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2604.26346

Authors: Luo, Chengjie, Qiang, Yicheng, Kusters, Guido L. A., Zwicker, David

Institution: Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization

Topic: Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation

Subfield: Computer Networks and Communications

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft

OpenAlex ID: W7158489004

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