Class 13

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Stability of CSTR Steady States

Class 13 examines the stability of CSTR steady states and the parametric sensitivity of stable CSTR steady states. It shows how the transient response to a perturbation away from a steady state can be used to assess the stability of that steady state.

Learning Outcomes

After completing Class 13 you should…

  • Know the definition of stable steady states, unstable steady states, parametric sensitivity
  • Understand
    • when a reactor is perturbed from a steady state it may return to that steady state, transition to different steady state, or go into sustained oscillations
    • if a reactor is perturbed from a steady state and does not return to it, that steady state is unstable
    • when an operating parameter of a CSTR operating at a stable steady state is changed slightly, the reactor outputs will change substantially if the starting steady state is parametrically sensitive.
  • Be able to
    • identify unstable steady states, ignition points and extinction points using a plot of outlet versus feed temperature
    • determine the stability of a CSTR steady state by simulating the transient response to a small perturbation
    • assess parametric sensitivity by analyzing the transient response to small changes in steady-state operating parameters

Prepare

to be added. Chapter 6.5, Example 6.6.6

Participate

to be added

Practice

to be added

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