A model for stirring effects on transitions in bistable chemical systemsa)

Abstract

Experimental and model studies are reported of nucleation induced transitions between bistable states of a chemical reaction in a stirred tank reactor. In both systems studied, BrO⁻₃–Br⁻–Mn²⁺ and ClO₂⁻–I⁻, the rate of stirring has a marked effect upon the transition in one direction but not in the other. In both cases, good qualitative agreement is found between the experimental results and those of a simple, two‐compartment reactor model.