Numerical simulation of coupled‐stress case II diffusion in one dimension

This article is concerned with the robust and efficient numerical simulation of case II diffusion, which constitutes an important regime of solvent diffusion into glassy polymers. Even in the one‐dimensional case considered here, the numerical simulation of case II diffusion is made difficult by the extreme nonlinearities and coupling in the governing model equations due to a nonlinear flux law needed to produce sharp solvent fronts, a concentration‐dependent relaxation time of the polymer used to model the glass‐rubber transition, and coupling between the diffusion and deformation phenomena. Having an efficient and accurate solution to such equations is central to advancing a clear understanding of the meaning of such models. The difficulties due to coupling and nonlinearities are highlighted by the consideration of a specific, normalized, one‐dimensional case II diffusion model laid out in a general framework of balance laws. Issues such as the stiffness of the spatially discrete differential algebraic equations obtained from the finite element discretization of the governing equations and their bearing on the choice of time‐stepping schemes are discussed. The key requirements of numerical schemes, namely, robustness and efficiency, are addressed by the use of an implicit, adaptive, second‐order backward differentiation formula with error control for time discretization. Error control is used to maximize the step size to satisfy a target error and the radius of convergence requirements while nonlinear algebraic equations are solved at each time step. An example of an initial boundary value problem is solved numerically to show that the chosen model reproduces case II behavior and to validate that the stated objectives for the numerical simulation are met. Finally, the features and numerical implementation of this model are compared with those of a closely related case II diffusion model due to Wu and Peppas. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 2091–2108, 2003     

Solving nonlinear reaction–diffusion problem in electrostatic interaction with reaction-generated pH change on the kinetics of immobilized enzyme systems using Taylor series method

A mathematical model of electrostatic interaction with reaction-generated pH change on the kinetics of immobilized enzyme is discussed. The model involves the coupled system of non-linear reaction–diffusion equations of substrate and hydrogen ion. The non-linear term in this model is related to the Michaelis–Menten reaction of the substrate and non-Michaelis–Menten kinetics of hydrogen ion. The approximate analytical expression of concentration of substrate and hydrogen ion has been derived by solving the non-linear reactions using Taylor’s series method. Reaction rate and effectiveness factor are also reported. A comparison between the analytical approximation and numerical solution is also presented. The effects of external mass transfer coefficient and the electrostatic potential on the overall reaction rate were also discussed.

     

Modeling of nonlinear boundary value problems in enzyme-catalyzed reaction diffusion processes

A mathematical model of steady state mono-layer potentiometric biosensor is developed. The model is based on non stationary diffusion equations containing a non linear term related to Michaelis-Menten kinetics of the enzymatic reaction. This paper presents a complex numerical method (He’s variational iteration method) to solve the non-linear differential equations that describe the diffusion coupled with a Michaelis-Menten kinetics law. Approximate analytical expressions for substrate concentration and corresponding current response have been derived for all values of saturation parameter α and reaction diffusion parameter K using variational iteration method. These results are compared with available limiting case results and are found to be in good agreement. The obtained results are valid for the whole solution domain.     

Comparative analysis of linear and nonlinear models for ion transport problem in chronoamperometry

Ion transport problem related to controlled potential experiments in electrochemistry is studied. The problem is assumed to be superposition of diffusion and migration under the influence of an electric field. The comparative analysis are presented for three well-known models—pure diffusive (Cottrell’s), linear diffusion-migration, and nonlinear diffusion-migration (Cohn’s) models. The nonlinear model is derived by the identification problem for a nonlinear parabolic equation with nonlocal additional condition. This problem reduced to an initial-boundary value problem for nonlinear parabolic equation. The nonlinear finite difference approximation of this problem, with an appropriate iteration algorithm is derived. The comparative numerical analysis for all three models shows an influence of the nonlinear migration term, the valences of oxidized and reduced oxidized species, also diffusivity to the value of the total charge. The obtained results permits one to estimate bounds of linear and nonlinear ion transport models.     

New algorithms for the computation of column dynamics of multicomponent liquid phase adsorption

New and efficient numerical algorithms were developed for simulating column dynamics of multicomponent liquid phase adsorption. Simple and realistic models are used for the simulation. Langmuir form of isotherm and linear driving force rate expressions are employed in the model equations. Algorithms were formulated for three different rate control mechanisms, namely, film diffusion control, particle diffusion control and combined film and particle diffusion control. The algorithms derived are explicit with the exception of the requirement of solving a nonlinear equation in one single variable which is the concentration of a reference species. Thus the tedious iterative calculation procedure for solving simultaneous nonlinear equations in a multicomponent fixed bed system is avoided. Example calculations indicated very good numerical accuracy as verified from an independent check by means of an overall mass balance.     

The wavelet methods to linear and nonlinear reaction–diffusion model arising in mathematical chemistry

In this paper, we have applied an accurate and efficient wavelet scheme (due to Legendre polynomial) to find the numerical solutions for a set of coupled reaction–diffusion equations. This technique provides the solutions in rapid convergence series with computable terms for the problems with high degree of non linear terms appearing in the governing differential equations. The highest derivative in the differential equation is expanded into wavelet series, this approximation is then integrated while the boundary conditions are applied by using integration constants. With the help of operational matrices, the nonlinear reaction–diffusion equations are converted into a system of algebraic equations. Finally, some numerical examples to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the method have been furnished. The use of Legendre wavelets is found to be accurate, efficient, simple, and computationally attractive. This wavelet method can be used for obtaining quick solution in many chemical Engineering problems.     

Mathematical modelling of steady-state concentration in immobilized glucose isomerase of packed-bed reactors

The theoretical model of the steady-state immobilized enzyme electrodes is discussed. This model is based on diffusion equation containing a non-linear term related to Michaelis–Menten kinetics of the enzymatic reaction. Homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is employed to solve the non-linear diffusion equation for the steady-state condition. Simple and approximate polynomial expression of concentration and flux are derived for all small values of parameters ${\phi_p}$ (Theiele modulus) and β (kinetic parameter). Furthermore, in this work the numerical solution of the problem is also reported using SCILAB/MATLAB program. The analytical results are compared with the numerical results and found to be in good agreement.     

A semi-empirical approach for predicting the performance of mixed matrix membranes containing selective flakes

A successful model for mixed matrix membrane performance must address the complex geometry of the problem and accurately treat the diffusion behavior of the host–guest systems being considered. Detailed calculations based on the Maxwell–Stefan equations provide a widely accepted means of treating the diffusion of gases within zeolites. However, a full numerical solution of these equations for a complex mixed matrix membrane geometry does not offer the convenience and transparency that comes with an analytical treatment. At the same time, existing analytical equations which were formulated specifically to address mixed matrix geometry do so under the assumption of very simplistic models for diffusion. Here, an approach is presented for predicting the permeability and selectivity of mixed matrix membranes containing zeolite flakes that combines well-known analytical expressions for mixed matrix membrane performance with Maxwell–Stefan modeling for zeolite diffusion. The constant permeabilities required by the analytical models are calculated by the Maxwell–Stefan equations as a function of operating conditions, and these calculated effective permeabilities are used to predict mixed matrix membrane performance at corresponding operating conditions. The method is illustrated through two case studies: normal- and iso-butane separation by a membrane containing silicalite-1 flakes and carbon dioxide/methane separation by membranes containing CHA-type zeolites. Predictions are compared to experimental results found in the literature for both cases. Also, the applicability of the Maxwell and Cussler analytical models for mixed matrix membrane performance is explored as a function of flake loading and aspect ratio.     

Ionic Ingress and Charge‐Neutralization Phenomena of Conducting‐Polymer Films

Ionic ingress and diffusion through a conducting‐polymer (CP) film containing embedded charges under potential and concentration gradients is studied. Electroneutrality, a common assumption in modeling of similar systems, is not justified in this case or similar diffusion‐limited processes, as the timescale of ionic diffusion in the solid matrix is quite large. Counter ions therefore cannot move instantaneously for effective neutralization of excess charges. Poisson–Nernst–Planck (PNP) equations have to be solved for such cases without any simplifying assumption. Analytical solution shows the existence of a charge boundary layer, which limits and strongly influences the ionic flux. A general numerical method for solution is also developed for the dynamic modeling, analysis, and design of these types of systems. The numerical results are validated by comparison with analytical solutions as well as with some experimental results available in the literature. With this modeling framework, the basic features of controlled release of molecules across a CP film under an applied electrical potential can be explained quantitatively.     

Computational modelling of amperometric biosensors in the case of substrate and product inhibition

In this paper the response of an amperometric biosensor at mixed enzyme kinetics and diffusion limitations is modelled in the case of the substrate and the product inhibition. The model is based on non-stationary reaction–diffusion equations containing a non-linear term related to non-Michaelis–Menten kinetics of an enzymatic reaction. A numerical simulation was carried out using a finite difference technique. The complex enzyme kinetics produced different calibration curves for the response at the transition and the steady-state. The biosensor operation is analysed with a special emphasis to the conditions at which the biosensor response change shows a maximal value. The dependence of the biosensor sensitivity on the biosensor configuration is also investigated. Results of the simulation are compared with known analytical results and with previously conducted researches on the biosensors.     

Theoretical analysis of the enzyme reaction processes within the multiscale porous biocatalytic electrodes

Mathematical model describing the oxidation of glucose in a multiscale porous biocatalytic electrode is discussed. The model considers herein is composed of two nonlinear differential equations accounting for reaction and diffusion within the hydrogel film. In this letter, approximate analytical expressions for the concentration of mediator, substrate and current have been obtained using the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). Furthermore, a comparison confirmed that our analytical result fitted very well with the numerical solution (Matlab). Sensitivity analysis of the parameters is also reported.     

Computational Modelling of the Behaviour of Potentiometric Membrane Biosensors

This paper presents a mathematical model of a potentiometric biosensor based on a potentiometric electrode covered with an enzyme membrane. The model is based on the reaction–diffusion equations containing a non-linear term related to theMichaelis–Menten kinetics of the enzymatic reaction. Using computer simulation the influence of the thickness of the enzyme membrane on the biosensor response was investigated. The digital simulation was performed using the finite difference technique. Results of the numerical simulation were compared with known analytical solutions.      

A mutually consistent procedure for excitation energies and transition densities based on the extended Brillouin's theorem

A mutually consistent method to calculate excitation energies and corresponding transition densities is proposed. The method is based on the extended Brillouin's theorem that is derived from the nonstationary variation principle. Within the proposed procedure, the Brillouin's conditions, which appear in this extension, are used as a set of nonlinear equations for molecular orbitals and configuration interaction coefficients of the trial ground- and excited-state functions. The excitation energy is an eigenvalue of the set. To some extent, this procedure is related to the variational treatment of the conventional random-phase approximation within the equation-of-motion method. The basic features of the proposed procedure are discussed and it is illustrated by numerical examples. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Modelling of Amperometric Biosensors with Rough Surface of the Enzyme Membrane

A two-dimensional-in-space mathematical model of amperometric biosensors has been developed. The model is based on the diffusion equations containing a nonlinear term related to the Michaelis–Menten kinetic of the enzymatic reaction. The model takes into consideration two types of roughness of the upper surface (bulk solution/membrane interface) of the enzyme membrane, immobilised onto an electrode. Using digital simulation, the influence of the geometry of the roughness on the biosensor response was investigated. Digital simulation was carried out using the finite-difference technique.     

Traveling wave patterns in nonlinear reaction–diffusion equations

In this paper we study a reaction–diffusion model equation with general nonlinear diffusion and arbitrary kinetic orders in the reaction terms, which appears in the applied biochemical modeling. We carry both analytical and numerical studies of the model equation to show the existence of monotone and oscillatory waves. Our numerical computations are illustrated for a particular case of the equation by using different methods which lead to accurate wave profiles and confirm the analytical results.     

Robust and high‐resolution simulations of nonlinear electrokinetic processes in variable cross‐section channels

We present a model and an associated numerical scheme to simulate complex electrokinetic processes in channels with nonuniform cross‐sectional area. We develop a quasi‐1D model based on local cross‐sectional area averaging of the equations describing unsteady, multispecies, electromigration‐diffusion transport. Our approach uses techniques of lubrication theory to approximate electrokinetic flows in channels with arbitrary variations in cross‐section; and we include chemical equilibrium calculations for weak electrolytes, Taylor–Aris type dispersion due of nonuniform bulk flow, and the effects of ionic strength on species mobility and on acid–base equilibrium constants. To solve the quasi‐1D governing equations, we provide a dissipative finite volume scheme that adds numerical dissipation at selective locations to ensure both unconditional stability and high accuracy. We couple the numerical scheme with a novel adaptive grid refinement algorithm that further improves the accuracy of simulations by minimizing numerical dissipation. We benchmark our numerical scheme with existing numerical schemes by simulating nonlinear electrokinetic problems, including ITP and electromigration dispersion in CZE. Simulation results show that our approach yields fast, stable, and high‐resolution solutions using an order of magnitude less grid points compared to the existing dissipative schemes. To highlight our model's capabilities, we demonstrate simulations that predict increase in detection sensitivity of ITP in converging cross‐sectional area channels. We also show that our simulations of ITP in variable cross‐sectional area channels have very good quantitative agreement with published experimental data.     

Spatio-temporal organization in alloy electrodeposition: a morphochemical mathematical model and its experimental validation

This paper proposes a novel mathematical model for the formation of spatio-temporal patterns in electrodeposition. At variance with classical modelling approaches that are based on systems of reaction–diffusion equations just for chemical species, this model accounts for the coupling between surface morphology and surface composition as a means of understanding the formation of morphological patterns found in electroplating. The innovative version of the model described in this work contains an original, flexible and physically straightforward electrochemical source term, able to account for charge transfer and mass transport: adsorbate-induced effects on kinetic parameters are naturally incorporated in the adopted formalism. The relevant non-linear dynamics is investigated from both the analytical and numerical points of view. Mathematical modelling work is accompanied by an extensive, critical review of the literature on spatio-temporal pattern formation in alloy electrodeposition: published morphologies have been used as a benchmark for the validation of our model. Moreover, original experimental data are presented—and simulated with our model—on the formation of broken spiral patterns in Ni–P–W–Bi electrodeposition.     

Mechanisms controlling the sensitivity of amperometric biosensors in flow injection analysis systems

This paper numerically investigates the sensitivity of an amperometric biosensor acting in the flow injection mode when the biosensor contacts an analyte for a short time. The analytical system is modelled by non-stationary reaction-diffusion equations containing a non-linear term related to the Michaelis-Menten kinetics of an enzymatic reaction. The mathematical model involves three regions: the enzyme layer where enzymatic reaction as well as the mass transport by diffusion takes place, a diffusion limiting region where only the diffusion takes place, and a convective region. The biosensor operation is analysed with a special emphasis to the conditions at which the biosensor sensitivity can be increased and the calibration curve can be prolonged by changing the injection duration, the permeability of the external diffusion layer, the thickness of the enzyme layer and the catalytic activity of the enzyme. The apparent Michaelis constant is used as a main characteristic of the sensitivity and the calibration curve of the biosensor. The numerical simulation was carried out using the finite difference technique.