Computational study of helix wave formation in active media

Computer simulations of excitation wave formation in a three-dimensional Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction medium is presented. The modelled system is an elongated domain with immobilised catalyst connected to an ideal reservoir of reactants. It is shown that transient spatial inhomogeneities within the reactant diffusion coupled with oscillatory reaction kinetics give rise to helical waves. Good agreement with prior experimental observations is obtained and these simulations provide a proof of formation of helicoidal dissipative structures under macroscopically unperturbed conditions.