Abstract
AbstractCo‐rotating, intermeshing twin screw extruders are widely used in polymer compounding and blending. Among the different modules of the co‐rotating twin screw extruder, the kneading discs are the dominant ones in determining mixing efficiency. The major difficulty in solving the flow problem in the kneading disc region arises from the complex geometry and the time‐dependent flow boundaries as the discs rotate. In this work, a fluid dynamics analysis package—FIDAP—using the finite element method was employed to simulate the flow patterns in the kneading disc region of a Werner & Pfleiderer ZSK‐30 co‐rotating twin screw extruder. The problem of time dependent flow boundaries was solved by selecting a number of sequential geometries to represent a complete mixing cycle. The flow field was characterized in terms of velocity profiles, pressure distributions, shear stresses generated and a parameter λ quantifying the elongational flow components. The last two parameters are the most important ones in analyzing mixing efficiency. The influence of design variables (stagger angle, right or left handed configuration) and processing conditions (rpm, axial pressure gradient) on the flow characteristics was analyzed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
