Stability in distributed parameter systems

Abstract

Abstract Three models of a catalyst particle are examined for existence of multiple steady states depending upon whether intraparticle heat conduction or diffusion is important. The particle with constant temperature but with intraparticle diffusion is examined in detail and a necessary and sufficient condition for the stability of the steady state is obtained. Calculations are made for a particle with both intraparticle diffusion and conduction and it is shown that there may be multiple steady states some of which are unstable to small perturbations.