In the first part of this thesis, we will explore an iterative procedure to determine the detailed asymptotic behaviour of solutions of a certain class of nonlinear vector differential equations which approach a nonlinear sink as time tends to infinity. This procedure is indifferent to resonance in the eigenvalues. Some attention will be given to finding approximations to solutions which are themselves flows. Moreover, we will address the writing of one component in terms of another in the case of a planar system. In the second part of this thesis, we will explore the Michaelis-Menten mechanism of a single enzyme-substrate reaction. The focus is an analysis of the planar reduction in phase space or, equivalently, solutions of the scalar reduction. In particular, we will prove the existence and uniqueness of a slow manifold between the horizontal and vertical isoclines. Also, we will determine the concavity of all solutions in the first quadrant. Moreover, we will establish the asymptotic behaviour of all solutions near the origin, which generally is not given by a Taylor series. Finally, we will determine the asymptotic behaviour of the slow manifold at infinity. Additionally, we will study the planar reduction. In particular, we will find non-trivial bounds on the length of the pre-steady-state period, determine the asymptotic behaviour of solutions as time tends to infinity, and determine bounds on the solutions valid for all time. In the third part of this thesis, we explore the (nonlinear) Lindemann mechanism of unimolecular decay. The analysis will be similar to that for the Michaelis-Menten mechanism with an emphasis on the differences. In the fourth and final part of this thesis, we will present some open problems.

In the first part of this thesis, we will explore an iterative procedure to determine the detailed asymptotic behaviour of solutions of a certain class of nonlinear vector differential equations which approach a nonlinear sink as time tends to infinity. This procedure is indifferent to resonance in the eigenvalues. Some attention will be given to finding approximations to solutions which are themselves flows. Moreover, we will address the writing of one component in terms of another in the case of a planar system. In the second part of this thesis, we will explore the Michaelis-Menten mechanism of a single enzyme-substrate reaction. The focus is an analysis of the planar reduction in phase space or, equivalently, solutions of the scalar reduction. In particular, we will prove the existence and uniqueness of a slow manifold between the horizontal and vertical isoclines. Also, we will determine the concavity of all solutions in the first quadrant. Moreover, we will establish the asymptotic behaviour of all solutions near the origin, which generally is not given by a Taylor series. Finally, we will determine the asymptotic behaviour of the slow manifold at infinity. Additionally, we will study the planar reduction. In particular, we will find non-trivial bounds on the length of the pre-steady-state period, determine the asymptotic behaviour of solutions as time tends to infinity, and determine bounds on the solutions valid for all time. In the third part of this thesis, we explore the (nonlinear) Lindemann mechanism of unimolecular decay. The analysis will be similar to that for the Michaelis-Menten mechanism with an emphasis on the differences. In the fourth and final part of this thesis, we will present some open problems.

Estimativas de erro são estabelecidas em termos do número de Rossby para a aproximação de Galerkin não linear nas soluções do modelo atmosférico balanceado de Lorenz com massa forçante. Desse modo a aproximação espectral da aproximação de Galerkin não linear é ligada ao número de Rossby. / Error estimates are established in terms of the Rossby number for a nonlinear Galerkin approximation to the solutions of the balanced atmosphere model of Lorenz with mass forcing. Thereby, the approximation spectral dimension of the nonlinear Galerkin approximation is linked to the Rossby number.

Estimativas de erro são estabelecidas em termos do número de Rossby para a aproximação de Galerkin não linear nas soluções do modelo atmosférico balanceado de Lorenz com massa forçante. Desse modo a aproximação espectral da aproximação de Galerkin não linear é ligada ao número de Rossby. / Error estimates are established in terms of the Rossby number for a nonlinear Galerkin approximation to the solutions of the balanced atmosphere model of Lorenz with mass forcing. Thereby, the approximation spectral dimension of the nonlinear Galerkin approximation is linked to the Rossby number.

Estimativas de erro são estabelecidas em termos do número de Rossby para a aproximação de Galerkin não linear nas soluções do modelo atmosférico balanceado de Lorenz com massa forçante. Desse modo a aproximação espectral da aproximação de Galerkin não linear é ligada ao número de Rossby. / Error estimates are established in terms of the Rossby number for a nonlinear Galerkin approximation to the solutions of the balanced atmosphere model of Lorenz with mass forcing. Thereby, the approximation spectral dimension of the nonlinear Galerkin approximation is linked to the Rossby number.