Singular perturbation analysis for the reduction of complex chemistry in gaseous mixtures using the entropic structure

In this Note, we investigate the reduction of complex chemistry in gaseous mixtures. We consider an arbitrarily complex network of reversible reactions, the equilibrium constant of which are compatible with thermodynamics, thus providing an entropic structure. We assume that a subset of the reactions is consituted of fast reactions and define a constant and linear projection onto the partial equilibrium manifold compatible with the entropy production. This reduction step is used for the study of a homogeneous reactor at constant density and internal energy where the temperature can encounter strong variations. We prove the global existence of a smooth solution and of an asymptotically stable equilibrium state for both the reduced system and the complete one. A global in time singular perturbation analysis proves that the reduced system on the partial equilibrium manifold approximates the full chemistry system. To cite this article: M. Massot, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 335 (2002) 93–98.