Analytical study of non Gaussian fluctuations in a stochastic scheme of autocatalytic reactions

A complex network of autocatalytic chemical reactions is studied both numerically and analytically. The van Kampen perturbative scheme is implemented, beyond the second order approximation, so to capture the non Gaussianity traits as displayed by the simulations. The method is targeted to the characterization of the third moments of the distribution of fluctuations, originating from a system of four populations in mutual interaction. The theory predictions agree well with the simulations, pointing to the validity of the van Kampen expansion beyond the conventional Gaussian solution.