General Computer Method of Analysis of Conduction and Diffusion in Biological Systems with Distributive Sources

A method of analysis by use of the computer has been developed which permits the physical laws governing conduction, or diffusion, to be expressed in first-order finite form. Solutions are obtained in the one-dimensional case for rectangular, cylindrical, and spherical geometries without the use of transcendental functions or other conventional mathematical iterative methods. The case of the cylindrical calorimeter with concentric insulating and conducting layers of varying chemical properties and with distributive heat sources arising from biochemical reactions at the center is treated in the transient and steady-state case.