Pattern Dynamics of a Coupled Map Lattice for Open Flow

The pattern dynamics of the one-way coupled logistic lattice which can serve as a phenomenological model for open flow is investigated and shown to be extremely rich. For medium and large coupling strengths, we find spatially periodic, quasiperiodic and chaotic patterns with temporal periodicity and analyze their stability with the help of a newly introduced spatial map. Criteria are established for predicting the down-flow bifurcation behavior of the coupled map lattice, and for selecting attractors through modulation of the boundary. For smaller coupling strengths we find a novel regime in which chaotic defects form a periodic lattice that is shown to be the result of a boundary crisis.