Polymath Tutorial

CBE 40445
Monday, 29th August 2011
 Polymath Capabilities
Linear Equations Solver
Nonlinear Equations Solver
Differential Equations Solver
Regression
Linear & Polynomial
Data Table
Multiple Linear or Multiple Nonlinear Regression
Additional Capabilities
Export to Excel
Calculator and unit conversion tools
Polymath Export to Matlab (see help Menu for more
information)
 Todays Class
Provide information on Polymath
How to open and use the software

Learn how to input and solve nonlinear and

differential equations
Provide step-by-step instructions so you can practice
and compare results

Address the question: Why learn another

software program?
Starting Polymath
1. Open Polymath Fogler from the start menu.
 Navigating the Menu

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
1. New program 13. Solve system of ODEs
2. Open file 14. Regress and analyze data
3. Open recent file 15. Calculator
4. Save file 16. Unit converter
5. Cut 17. Scientific constants
6. Copy 18. Setup preferences
7. Paste 19. Help
8. Delete
9. Find
10. Find and replace
11. Solve system of linear equations
12. Solve system of nonlinear equations
For more information: Help Menu
Help Menu
 Example 1: Nonlinear Equation Solver
Consider the following set of equations:

kCA12 = v(CA0-CA1)/V
kCA22 = v(CA1-CA2)/V

where k = 0.075, v = 30,

CA0 = 1.6, and CA2 = 0.2 CA0.

Therefore, we have two remaining variables: variables

CA1 and V.

We will use initial estimates: CA1=1 and V=300.

How do we do this in Polymath?

 Nonlinear Equation Solver
Rearrange:

0 = kCA12 v(CA0 - CA1)/V

0 = kCA22 v(CA1-CA2)/V

In Polymath, the appropriate forms for these equations

are:

f(CA1) = kCA12 v(CA0 - CA1)/V = 0

f(V) = kCA22 v(CA1-CA2)/V = 0

Can f(CA1) and f(V) be switched?

1. Open a new sheet by clicking on the blank sheet in the upper
corner.
2. Open Nonlinear Equations
3. In the upper left corner, click the f(x)+ button. This will allow
you to enter one of the two equations.
4. A new window will open.
5. Type in the first equation as shown before.
3. In the upper left corner, click the f(x)+ button. This will allow
you to enter one of the two equations.
4. A new window will open.
5. Type in the first equation as shown before.
6. Press Done.
7. You should see the new equation in the worksheet, as well as
the comments.
8. Enter the second equation by repeating the same steps.
9. You will see the two equations and two initial value guesses in the
worksheet.
10. The red X displays the undefined variables.
11. Enter the undefined variables by either 1) clicking on the x(=)+
button in the menu or 2) entering directly into the worksheet.
9. You will see the two equations and two initial value guesses in the
worksheet.
10. The red X displays the undefined variables.
11. Enter the undefined variables by either 1) clicking on the x(=)+
button in the menu or 2) entering directly into the worksheet.
12. Now you should see a blue check mark indicating this system of
equations can be solved.
13. To solve, click the purple arrow.
Results:

CA1 initial guess: 1

V initial guess: 300

CA1 = 0.602
V= 1102
 Example 2: Solving a System of
Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)
This system may contain two types of equations: 1) first order
ordinary differential equations and 2) explicit algebraic
equations.

The differential equations must be entered in the following form:

d(x)/d(t)= .
Here t is the independent variable and x is a dependent variable.

Auxiliary algebraic equations must be entered in the form:

x = .

For differential equations, an initial value is needed for all

variables. A final value is needed for the independent variable.
1. Open a new program (blank sheet)
2. Select Differential Equations
3. Select the d(x)+ button to add a new differential equation.
 What should we solve?
k1 k2
Series Reaction: ABC

Using Polymath, we can monitor the conversion

of A, the formation (and disappearance) of B,
and the formation of C.
Species Balances:
d ( A) d ( B) d (C )
k1* A k1* A k 2 * B k2* B
d (t ) d (t ) d (t )

Lets solve this series of differential equations.

4. Select the d(x)+ button to add a new differential equation.
5. Add the three equations with the following initial
parameters: A(0)=1, B(0)=0, C(0)=0
6. We still have two undefined variables: k2 and k1
7. Enter k1 as 1 and k2 as 2.
5. Add the three equations with the following initial
parameters: A(0)=1, B(0)=0, C(0)=0
6. We still have two undefined variables: k2 and k1
7. Enter k1 as 1 and k2 as 2.

We have an error. We need to enter the initial and final values for
our independent variable (t).
8. To add the final values for t, select Edit followed by
Define Initial and Final values
9. Then enter the initial and final values for t: 0 and 3.
8. To add the final values for t, select Edit followed by Define
Initial and Final values
9. Then enter the initial and final values for t: 0 and 3.
10. Select Problem and Arrange Equations to sort the list.
8. To add the final values for t, select Edit followed by Define
Initial and Final values
9. Then enter the initial and final values for t: 0 and 3.
10. Select Problem and Arrange Equations to sort the list.
Before we solve, lets add a title.
11. Select Edit and Enter Problem Title
12. Click the Graph box to add graphing options.

Graph
13. To run the program, click the purple arrow.

Run Program
Final values:
A = 0.050
B = 0.047
C = 0.903
Concentration Profiles
Graph generated to show disappearance of reactant A.
 Concentration Profiles
Graph generated to show disappearance of reactant A.

Click
Graph
to
modify
 Concentration Profiles

Click
brush to
edit
 How can B maximized?
k1 k2
ABC
If k1>>k2, what happens?
Change k2 to 0.5 and k1 to 2

With k1 = 1 and k2 =2,

Bmax = 0.25

With k1 = 2 and k2 =0.5,

Bmax = 0.63
 To order Polymath
http://www.polymath-software.com/

5 day free trial

Use the trial to see if you would like to purchase
the software
$20/4 months