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Description
Prerequisites:
Textbook
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Objectives

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Objectives

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Northeastern
University

CHME4510 Chemical Engineering Kinetics (4 SH) CRN 10280 and CRN

Northeastern University
Department of Chemical Engineering
Fall Semester 2015
Ronald J. Willey, 445 SN, Tele: (617) 373-3962, r.willey@neu.edu,
Tuesday, & Friday 8 AM to 9:40 AM, 114 W. Village F
Tuesday, & Friday 9:50 AM to 11:30 AM, 117 Snell Library
Tuesday and Friday 3 PM to 4 PM. Also by appointment
None assigned in the Fall of 2015
Covers the fundamental theories of the rate of chemical change in homogeneous reacting systems,
integral and differential analysis of kinetic data; design of batch and continuous-flow chemical reactors;
and an introduction to heterogeneous reactions and reactor design.
CHME 3312 and CHME 3322
Essentials of Chemical Reaction Engineering by H. Scott Fogler; Prentice Hall, 2011 (Third printing,
February 2014)
CD offered with text. A Differential Equation Solver. This semester it will be Polymath
CHME 4510 covers fundamental theories for chemical kinetics in homogeneous and heterogeneous
reacting systems, integral and differential analysis of kinetic data, and the design of batch and
continuous-flow chemical reactors. Students will be provided with opportunities to develop and practice
skills in the application of principles of chemical kinetics to reactor design (i.e., specification, sizing, and
identification of operating conditions needed for obtaining a desired quantity and quality of product)
through the introduction of a structured approach focused on applying fundamental concepts from
general chemistry, mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, and transport processes. Examples will
be drawn from diverse applications
1. Explain the behavior of different types of reactors when they are used either individually or in
combination (e.g., in networks).
2. Choose a reactor and determine its size for a given application.
3. Obtain a rate law & rate constants by analyzing kinetic data.
4. Postulate reaction mechanisms that are consistent with experimental observations for homogeneous &
heterogeneous systems.
5. Understand the nature and mechanisms of elementary, heterogeneous, and enzymatic reactions.
6. Understand the importance of selectivity & know the strategies that commonly are used in
maximizing yields.
7. Apply mass & energy balances in the design of non-isothermal reactors.
8. Understand and appreciate safe design and operation of reactors.
You will also improve your ability to:
1. Tackle novel, challenging, loosely formulated engineering problems.
2. Make the most of imperfect experimental data.
Students completing CHME 4510 are expected to have achieved the following measureable ABET
Student Outcomes (SO):
A proficiency in applying mathematics, science, and engineering to problems in chemical
engineering kinetics (SO a);
An ability to analyze and interpret kinetic data (SO b);
An ability to apply kinetics to design process components and systems to meet economic and
societal needs within global and environmental constraints, including identification and analysis of
hazards associated with process operations (SO c);
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems in chemical engineering kinetics (SO e);
An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility and contemporary issues, including safe
and environmentally conscious practices that protect the public and environment (SO f, j);
Submission of written communications that are clear and concise (SO g);
An understanding of the impact of engineering solutions in global and societal contexts (SO h);
A recognition of the need for and the ability to engage in lifelong learning by developing a more
accurate and richer self-appraisal of themselves as learners (SO i).
An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for chemical
engineering practice (SO k);
CHME 4510 fulfills the following NU Core general education requirements: Science/Technology
Knowledge Domain; Mathematical/Analytical Thinking.
Northeastern University is committed to the principles of intellectual honesty and integrity. All members
of the Northeastern community are expected to maintain complete honesty in all academic work,
1

Academic
Honesty
Statement
Grading Policy
Late work Policy
Makeup Policy
Grading
Attend. Policy
Prepared by
Date Prepared

presenting only that which is their own work in tests and assignments. If you have any questions
regarding proper attribution of the work of others, contact your professor prior to submitting work for
evaluation.
3 Semester Exams (30%), 7 Quizzes (35%), 1 Final (30%) Attendance 5% (number of times attended/by
number of classes) times 100%
Late work will NOT be accepted under any conditions. If you know that you are going to miss a class,
you are permitted to send in your home work with a classmate to be turned in at the beginning of class.
Students who miss one quiz will not be able to make this up. Their grade will be based on the average of
the remaining quizzes taken. If two or more quizzes are missed, the grade will be averaged based on
completing 4 quizzes. No make-up work will be accepted.
The std Blackboard intervals will be used: A:94-100,A:90-94,B+:87-90,B:84-87,B-:80-84,C+:7780,C:74-77,C-:70-74,D+:67-70,D:64-67,D-:60-64,F:0-60. All grades will be posted on BB. You will be
able to check your current grade any time during the course.
Expected
Ronald J. Willey, Professor
Sept 10, 2015