Differential and Differential-Algebraic Systems for the Chemical Engineer: Solving Numerical Problems

Engineers and other applied scientists are frequently faced with models of complex systems for which no rigorous mathematical solution can be calculated. To predict and calculate the behaviour of such systems, numerical approximations are frequently used, either based on measurements of real life systems or on the behaviour of simpler models. This is essential work for example for the process engineer implementing simulation, control and optimization of chemical processes for design and operational purposes.

This fourth in a suite of five practical guides is an engineer's companion to using numerical methods for the solution of complex mathematical problems. It explains the theory behind current numerical methods and shows in a step-by-step fashion how to use them.

The volume focuses on differential and differential-algebraic systems, providing numerous real-life industrial case studies to illustrate this complex topic. It describes the methods, innovative techniques and strategies that are all implemented in a freely available toolbox called BzzMath, which is developed and maintained by the authors and provides up-to-date software tools for all the methods described in the book. Numerous examples, sample codes, programs and applications are taken from a wide range of scientific and engineering fields, such as chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, medicine, and environmental science. As a result, engineers and scientists learn how to optimize processes even before entering the laboratory.

With additional online material including the latest version of BzzMath Library, installation tutorial, all examples and sample codes used in the book and a host of further examples.

Guido Buzzi-Ferraris is full professor of process systems engineering at Politecnico die Milano, Italy, where he holds two courses: "Methods and Numerical Applications in Chemical Engineering" and "Regression Models and Statistics". He works on numerical analysis, statistics, differential systems, and optimization. He has authored books of international relevance on numerical analysis, such as "Scientific C++" edited by Addison-Wesley, and over than 200 papers on international magazines. He is the inventor and the developer of BzzMath library, which is currently adopted by academies, R&D groups, and industries. He is permanent member of the "EFCE Working Party - Computer Aided Process Engineering" since 1969 and editorial advisory board of "Computers & Chemical Engineering" since 1987.

Flavio Manenti is assistant professor of process systems engineering at Politecnico di Milano, Italy. He obtained his academic degree and PhD at Politecnico di Milano, where he currently collaborates with Professor Buzzi-Ferraris. He holds courses on "Process Dynamics and Control of Industrial Processes" and "Supply Chain Optimization" and he works on numerical analysis, process control and optimization. He has also received international scientific awards, such as Memorial Burianec (Prague, CZ) and Excellence in Simulation (Lake Forest, CA, USA), for his research activities and scientific publications.