Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 October 2008
The time-dependent solutions of an infinite set of differential-difference equations arising from queueing theory and models of ‘living’ polymer are expressed in terms of modified Bessel functions. Explicit solutions are available for constant values of a parameter describing the arrival rate or monomer concentration; for time-dependent parameter a formal solution is obtained in terms of a function which satisfies a Volterra type integral equation of the second kind. These results are used as the basis of a numerical method of solving the infinite set of differential equations when the time-dependent parameter itself satisfies a differential equation.