Discrete simulation methods in combustion kinetics

A hybrid method, intermediate between diffential equation solution and Monte Carlo, is described for calculating the consequences of an assumed mechanism and set of rate constants. It is compared with standard methods as to simplicity, efficiency, stability, and other features. Situations in which it can replace or supplement other procedures are discussed. An example calculation is presented. It consists of a routine simulation of C₃H₈ oxidation with a 37-reaction mechanism and variable temperature, along with a comparison with results obtained with a collapsed mechanism, the latter simplication being one that is particularly facile when discrete stimulation is used.