Modeling of twin-screw extrusion. Part I. A model of counter-rotating extrusion

A comprehensive mathematical model of the process of counter-rotating twin-screw extrusion (Fig. 1 and 2) has been developed. The model describes three areas of the process namely solid conveying, melting course and melt flow (Fig. 3 and 4). On the basis of mathematical model, the computer program enabling to simulate the process (Fig. 5) has been elaborated. The simulation can be done for various processing conditions, defined by characteristics of a polymer, by geometry of plasticization unit and technological parameters of the process. The simulation makes possible to predict the course of polymer melting, pressure and temperature profiles and screw channel filling degree (Fig. 6).