Critical Phenomena in a Heterogeneous Excitable System
For my theoretical computing mini-project, I worked on a model representing the changes undergone by the myometrium in the build-up to parturition.
The myometrium is the middle layer of the uterine wall, and consists mainly of smooth muscle cells. Throughout pregnancy, these muscle cells remain in a predominantly quiescent state, and the myometrium supports the development of the foetus. However, in the moments leading up to parturition, it is thought a phase transition occurs, allowing global excitation to take place.
The model considered a lattice of excitable elements, connected by resistors. Two lattices were considered (square and hexagonal), but studies were mainly focused towards the square lattice.
A copy of the assessed presentation can be found here.
The work is being continued as part of her PhD by , and has recently been published. The abstract can be found .