CSTR Stability Analysis Template (Python Jupyter Notebook)

CSTR stability analysis centers on determining whether a reactor’s steady-state operating point remains robust under small disturbances—a critical concern in exothermic reactions where thermal runaway or multiple steady states may occur. The template implements first-principles modeling: component mass balances (e.g., dC_A/dt = F(C_{A,in} − C_A)/V − r_A) and an energy balance (e.g., dT/dt = (FρC_p(T_in − T) + (−ΔH_r)r_A V)/ρC_pV + Q_dot/VρC_p) form the nonlinear ODE system. Steady states are found numerically (e.g., via fsolve), and local stability is assessed by linearizing the system around each steady state and evaluating the eigenvalues of the resulting Jacobian matrix—negative real parts indicate asymptotic stability. The notebook further supports parameter continuation (e.g., varying inlet temperature or coolant temperature) to generate S-shaped or N-shaped steady-state curves and detect limit points (saddle-node bifurcations) and Hopf bifurcations. Interactive widgets, plots (phase portraits, eigenvalue loci, bifurcation diagrams), and modular code structure facilitate pedagogical use and industrial process safety evaluation.