Numerical simulations of a Boltzmann model for reacting gases

In this paper, aBoltzmann-like equation, derived in the framework of discrete velocity models extended to gases interacting with autocatalytic reversible reactions, is concerned. The main features of the model are recalled with particular attention to the thermodynamical equilibrium properties. In order to study the trend to equilibrium of the above model equation, some initial-boundary value problems are solved using anumerical approach based on the so-called fractional step method. The proposed numerical procedure is quite general and can be applied to any conservative system represented by a PDE including streaming and collisional operators.