Number: Mech 59/92
Author(s): ENGELBRECHT, J., FUSCO, D., OLIVERI, F.
Title: Nerve pulse transmission: recovery variable and rate-type effects. 22 p., fig.
Language: English
ABSTRACT. The classical models of Hodgkin-Huxley or FitzHugh-Nagumo type
include recovery variables governed by simple relaxation equations. In
this paper an attempt is made to use a rate-type equation for describing
the dynamics of the recovery variable. The basic dynamics of nerve pulse
transmission is governed by an evolution equation while the voltage and
the recovery variable are related each other by a rate-type equation which
has been widely used in the theory of viscoelasticity for describing
similar effects. The mathematical model is discussed and an evolution
equation within the context of the wave hierarchy is obtained. The
travelling wave solutions are investigated numerically by means of the
Runge-Kutta method for different choices of the involved parameters.