Colloquium Announcement
Department of Mathematics
West Virginia University
for
Thursday, January 29, 1998, at 3:45pm
in 324 Armstrong Hall
(Tea and cookies begin at 3:00 in coffee room.)
Professor James L. Moseley
WVU
Mathematical Modeling in Coal Technology
The talk will be suitable for a general audience.
Students are strongly encouraged to participate.
Abstract
The talk will consist of four parts, the first two review the problem areas of interest and the
discrete model for agglomeration developed last year, the last two solve the model:
1. Brief Review of Some Problem Areas in Mathematical Modeling in Coal Technology.
Agglomeration and coagulation of particles in coal combustors and gasifiers creates slagging and
fouling. Currently mechanistic models are being developed for various aspects of various
processes. However, the completion of a realistic model for use with computer models of
combustors and gasifiers remains a future goal. Emphasis will be placed on modeling of
agglomeration of fly ash in an entrained flow reactor and on the coalescence of bubbles in the
wake of a ship.
Prerequisite: None
2. Very Brief Review of the Derivation of a Discrete Model for Agglomeration. Starting with
the basics, the standard discrete model for the agglomeration of particles can be developed from
first principles.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of the concept of a derivative.
3. Derivation of the Solution of the Discrete Model. Standard techniques for solving differential
equations (Math 18) will be used to obtain the general solution of the model for any initial
conditions.
Prerequisite: Math 18 is helpful but knowledge of the concept of a derivative is probably
sufficient.
4. Consideration of Initial Conditions. Various initial conditions will be applied to the general
solution.
Prerequisite: Math 18 is helpful but knowledge of the concept of a derivative is probably
sufficient.
The information on the future (and past) Colloquia can be also found on web at the
address:
http://www.math.wvu.edu/homepages/kcies/colloquium.html