User Guide

Introductory Tutorials

For those new to Cantera, we present here a set of short tutorials to familiarize you with Cantera’s basic functionality and capabilities, give some examples of how to work Cantera within your preferred interface language, and demonstrate some basic troubleshooting.

• Getting Started with Python

• Introduction to YAML Input Files

• Using Reactor Networks for Time Integration

• Using Cantera from C++

• Compiling Cantera C++ Applications

Frequently asked questions

See the FAQ for answers to some common issues that arise when using Cantera. If your question isn’t answered here, consider asking us on the Cantera Users’ Group.

Task Guides

The tutorials in this section are designed to help you accomplish a specific task using Cantera, such as evaluating the ignition delay time for a fuel under different conditions, or calculating the voltage of a Lithium-ion battery as it is discharged.

Working with Input Data

• Converting Chemkin Format Files

• Creating YAML Mechanism Files from Scratch

• Converting Data from NASA ThermoBuild

• Handling Errors in Input Files

• Converting Legacy CTI and XML Input Files to YAML

Combustion Calculations

• Calculating Adiabatic Flame Temperature

• Calculating Heating Value of a Fuel

Electrochemistry Calculations

• Lithium Ion Battery Discharge Curve

Implementing Custom Models

• Extending Reactor Models with Custom Equations

Advanced Resources

• For intermediate and advanced users, the Reference section is an easily-searchable repository that describes the scientific models implemented by Cantera and documents the classes and functions used to access these models.

• The Examples section provides demonstrations of how many Cantera features can be used to solve a range of different problems and often provide a good starting point for writing your own code.

• Finally, if you have trouble using Cantera and can’t find an answer here in the documentation, please visit the Cantera Users’ Group.