Wave patterns in cellular automata for excitable media

(Prof. Dr. Jens Rademacher)

Nerve impulses, muscle contractions and various other natural processes can be modeled as an excitable medium in which locally a supercritical perturbation leads to a cycle that comes to rest after a refractory phase. Spatial coupling gives rise to wave patterns and the interaction of waves as well as spiral waves in 2D. In this project, these will be studied using cellular automata, embedded in an ongoing DFG-funded PhD project.

Basic knowledge of calculus and linear algebra is recommended. The duration of the work within the research group should be at least four weeks. In addition, a written paper and a final presentation in the seminar are expected. Further information and requirements can be found in the module and course catalog of the Department of Mathematics.

A written presentation can be found here.