Modeling, simulation and bifurcation analysis of a mutating autocatalytic reaction

In this paper, we present a conceptual model for autocatalytic reactions in which the autocatalyst undergoes a mutation process in a continuous stirred tank reactor. Three cases with different mutation coefficient (ex) have been considered. The analysis of these cases shows the importance of this parameter and the qualitative and quantitative differences in the resulting bifurcation diagrams. Generally speaking, selectivity towards main product increases with decreasing substrate conversion. Co-existence of a mushroom and an isola has been detennined for one of the cases. The isola portion is a low main product yield solution and is to be avoided. Keywords: Autocatalytic reactions, mutation, bifurcation. selectivity