Static Finite Element Analysis on Cast Shell of a 100 kW Single Screw Expander

Abstract

In the process of shell design of a 100kW single screw expander, the fundamental research on the screw chamber walls thickness is still lacking. Thin wall may cause deformation and the damage possibility of the inlet passage. Thick wall will increase the weight of the expander and led to assembly problem and transportation inconvenience. In this paper, static finite element analysis on cast shell of the 100 kW single screw expander was carried out. By calculating stress distribution and deformation of the expander shell under 1.5 times of the design pressure, the authors find the thickness of gate rotor chamber walls and inlet passage walls as 15 mm is acceptable, but the thickness of screw chamber walls should be at least 35 mm.