Multi-equation bifurcation analysis of a free radical polymerization in a CSTR

Abstract

The materials and composites prepared via a synthesis route of free radical homopolymerization are known in industrial practice. The dimensionless steady state equations of this reaction in a reactor were presented and parameter regions were explored to study occurrence of steady state patterns. These diagrams are useful in determining an operating point in free parameter space. The operating points can be further useful in design of the chemical reactor. A system of nonlinear steady state equations can encounter singularities. Our objective is to compute various branching points using a new and novel method presented by Karimi and Inamdar (2002) that gives rise to bifurcation patterns and construct the steady state diagrams.