Spontaneous mode switching in coupled oscillators competing for constant amounts of resources

Chaos. 2010 Mar;20(1):013117. doi: 10.1063/1.3329369.

Abstract

We propose a widely applicable scheme of coupling that models competitions among dynamical systems for fixed amounts of resources. Two oscillators coupled in this way synchronize in antiphase. Three oscillators coupled circularly show a number of oscillation modes such as rotation and partially in-phase synchronization. Intriguingly, simple oscillators in the model also produce complex behavior such as spontaneous switching among different modes. The dynamics reproduces well the spatiotemporal oscillatory behavior of a true slime mold Physarum, which is capable of computational optimization.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Biophysics / methods*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Neurological
  • Models, Statistical
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Oscillometry / methods
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Physarum polycephalum / physiology*

Substances

  • Oxygen