Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics Seminar

University of Michigan

Fall 2008
Friday, 17 October, 3:10-4:00pm, 1084 East Hall

Vector space methods for reaction networks and Kirchhoff graphs

Joseph Fehribach

Worcester Polytechnic Institute


Abstract

Reaction networks are systems of chemical, electrochemical or biological reaction steps together with their constituent species. This talk will focus on the use of basic linear algebra results to determine what (if any) overall reactions can result from a given reaction network. The talk will then discuss the existence and construction of Kirchhoff graphs (reaction route graphs) associated with the reaction networks Kirchhoff graphs satisfy the Kirchhoff laws and allow one to study a reaction network as one might use a circuit diagram to study an electrical network. There will be a number of illustrative examples.