A Finite Difference Treatment of Differential Equation Systems with Widely Differing Time Constants

A consistent method of solving systems of coupled time-dependent differential equations with vastly divergent time constants has been developed. This method is directly applicable to finite difference techniques of solutions using matrix algebra. Application to systems of isotope burnup and buildup equations with time constants ranging from minutes to millions of years demonstrates the utility of the method. Similarity to the prompt jump method of reactor kinetics indicates applicability to a wider range of positive as well as negative time constant systems.