Flows Through Charged Membranes. II. Oscillation Phenomena

Abstract

In connection with Teorell's finding on oscillation phenomena in his membrane model for nerves, flow processes of an electrolytesolution through a porous charged membrane are studied theoretically subject to the external conditions conforming to the experimental arrangements of Teorell, i.e., the total mass of the system is held constant, a constant electric current is passing through the membrane, and the pressure difference across the membrane is allowed to vary in accordance with the transport of fluid. The results of analysis show typical relaxation oscillations of the mass flow as well as the differences of potential and pressure across the membrane, and compare favorably with Teorell's observations in many aspects.