Computational Techniques for Chemical Engineers

Computational Techniques for Chemical Engineers offers a practical guide to the chemical engineer faced with a problem of computing. The computer is a servant not a master, its value depends on the instructions it is given. This book aims to help the chemical engineer in the right choice of these instructions. The text begins by outlining the principles of operation of digital and analogue computers and then discussing the difficulties which arise in formulating a problem for solution on such a machine. This is followed by separate chapters on digital computers and their programming; the use of digital computers in chemical engineering design work; optimization techniques and their application in the selection of optimum designs; the solution of sets of non-linear algebraic equations via hill-climbing; and determination of equilibrium compositions by minimization of Gibbs free energy. Subsequent chapters discuss the solution of partial or simultaneous differential equations; parameter estimation in differential equations; continuous systems; and analogue computers.