Past exam of the topics in applied mathematics course of the University of Oxford / 2010 / A / 3 / b

For Neumann boundaries the correct eigenfunctions include zero indices:Their squared wave number is $q=(n_x\pi /L_x{)}^2+(n_y\pi /L_y{)}^2$. The constant pair $(0,0)$ is reaction-stable. Instability requires $q_{-}<q<q_{+}$, using the band derived above. If both side lengths are large, the wave-number spacings are small enough that admissible modes can enter the band in either direction, including mixed modes. This does not mean the single $(1,1)$ mode necessarily stays unstable as lengths tend to infinity: its wave number eventually tends to zero below the band. Rather, increasingly fine wave-number spacing permits some suitable higher integers.

Thin-domain Turing mode selection applies if $L_y<\pi /\sqrt{q_{+}}$, every mode with $n_y\ge 1$ has $q\ge (\pi /L_y{)}^2>q_{+}$ and is stable. A sufficiently large $L_x$ can nevertheless admit an integer $n_x\ge 1$ with $q_{-}<(n_x\pi /L_x{)}^2<q_{+}$ and $n_y=0$. HenceThe printed range starting both indices at one excludes these purely longitudinal modes and cannot imply the requested conclusion. It also omits the constant mode. Further, each allowed spatial eigenfunction generally has two temporal eigenvalue branches of $J-q\mathcal{D}$, with coefficients along their eigenvectors; a single unrestricted scalar $\lambda (q)$ is shorthand for those branches rather than a complete general expansion.

Domain geometry can select biological pattern dimension even when the same reaction parameters and diffusion coefficients are used. A sufficiently wide developing tissue can admit instabilities with variation in two spatial directions; nonlinear development may produce spots, labyrinths or other two-dimensional patterns. A thin strip suppresses transverse unstable modes, allowing primarily bands whose concentration varies along its long axis and is nearly uniform across its width.

This is a mechanism for shape-dependent pattern selection during growth: increasing tissue width can admit additional transverse modes without changing the local chemical interactions. Linear instability predicts initial wavelengths and permitted directions, not the eventual stable spot or stripe pattern; nonlinear saturation and boundary geometry determine that later outcome. Zero-flux boundaries also mean these modes arise through internal redistribution and reaction rather than externally prescribed chemical concentrations.