Mathematical modelling of chemical engineering systems by finite element analysis using PDE/PROTRAN

AbstractThe use of commercially available software for obtaining finite-element solutions to partial differential equations encountered in engineering and the applied sciences is considered. A particular software package called PDE/PROTRAN that can solve a general class of either time-dependent, steady-state, or eigenvalue type PDEs in two space dimensions is examined from both a theoretical and practical perspective. To illustrate the application of PDE/PROTRAN, two example problems that have an origin in the engineering sciences are posed and translated into a working computer code. Solutions to these mathematical models, which describe diffusion-reaction phenomena and fluid dynamics, are also given and compared to previous solutions where available. Some advantages and limitations of the program and possible enhancements are also discussed