APPLICATION OF MATRIX METHODS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE WITH COMPUTATIONAL EXAMPLES

Abstract

This article aimed to demonstrate the practical application of matrix methods in Chemical Engineering through the modeling and resolution of complex problems using computational tools. The study was developed based on the implementation of algebraic algorithms in Python, using the NumPy and SciPy libraries in the Jupyter Notebook environment. The methodology includes examples of solving linear systems of different orders, handling sparse and triangular matrices, in addition to the matrix representation of molecular interactions. The results showed that the computational application of these methods facilitates the simulation and analysis of real-world problems in chemical engineering, such as mass balances in separation processes and interconnected tank systems. It is concluded that matrix methods, when integrated with computational programming, offer a precise and efficient approach to scientific computing, expanding the possibilities for analysis and innovation in contemporary engineering.