Abstract
A matrix formulation of linear simulations of the operation of regenerators is presented. The formulation unifies different numerical methods for the solution of the descriptive differential equations and clarifies the relationship between open and closed methods for calculating the cyclic steady state. The rate of approach to a new cyclic steady stale after a disturbance in operating conditions is shown to be controlled by the largest eigenvalue of a matrix formed in the discretization of the governing equations. Details are given for Hausen's finite-difference and Iliffe's integral equation methods.