GEM602: Numerical Methods

Problem Set No. 2

Linear Algebraic Systems
[1] An irreversible, first-order reaction takes place in four well-mixed reactors (see figure below),
𝑘
𝐴→𝐵

Thus, the rate at which A is transformed to B can be represented as

𝑟𝐴𝐵 = 𝑘 ⋅ 𝑉𝑐

The reactors have different volumes, and because they are operated at different temperatures, each has a
different reaction rate:

Reactor V (L) k (𝒉−𝟏)

1 25 0.075
2 75 0.15
3 100 0.4
4 25 0.1

Determine the concentration of A and B in each of the reactors at steady state. Use one analytical and
numerical method of your choosing.

[2] Given a system of five interconnected or coupled reactors (refer to the figure below), determine the
concentrations for each reactor using both analytical and numerical techniques discussed in class.

a. Re-compute the concentrations for the five reactors shown if the flows are changed to:
𝑄01 = 5 𝑄31 = 3 𝑄25 = 2 𝑄23 = 2
𝑄15 = 4 𝑄55 = 3 𝑄54 = 3 𝑄34 = 7
𝑄12 = 4 𝑄03 = 8 𝑄24 = 0 𝑄44 = 10

GEM602, Second Semester, A.Y. 2018-2019

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[3] The steady-state distribution of temperature on a heated plate can be modeled by the Laplace
equation,
𝜕2𝑇 𝜕2𝑇
+ =0
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2
If the plate is represented by a series of nodes (see figure below), centered finite-divided differences can
be substituted for the second derivatives, which results in a system of linear algebraic equations. Use the
Gauss-Seidel method (use 5% relative error as the termination criterion) to solve for the temperatures of
the nodes in the said figure.
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[4] Idealized spring-mass systems have numerous applications throughout engineering. The figure below
shows an arrangement of four springs in series being depressed with a force of 2000 kg. At equilibrium,
establish the force-balance equations that define the interrelationships between springs (show the force
balance). Where the k’s are spring constants. If k1 through k4 are 150, 50, 75, and 225 N/m, respectively,
compute the x’s.

[5] As the name implies, indoor air pollution deals with air contamination in enclosed spaces such as
homes, offices, work areas, etc. Suppose that you are designing a ventilation system for a restaurant as
shown in the figure below. The restaurant serving area consists of two square rooms and one elongated
room. Room 1 and room 3 have sources of carbon monoxide from smokers and a faulty grill, respectively.
Steady-state mass balances can be written for each room. [Present clearly the assumptions on how the
governing equations are established]
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Figure 1. Overhead view of rooms in a restaurant. The one-way arrows represent volumetric airflows, whereas the
two-way arrows represent diffusive mixing. The smoker and grill loads add carbon monoxide mass to the system
but negligible airflow

(a) Solve for the steady-state concentration of carbon monoxide in each room using one analytical method
(LU decomposition or matrix inverse) and one numerical method (Jacobi or Gauss-Seidel). For the
numerical method, use 5% relative error as the termination criterion.

(b) Determine what percent of the carbon monoxide in the kids’ section is due to (i) the smokers, (ii) the
grill, and (iii) the air in the intake vents.