A mathematical model for a single screw extrusion process .4. Polymer melt flow

A mathematical model has been presented for the flow of a polymer melt through the extruder screw channel (in the melting and melt conveying zones). A relevant computer program has been developed. The effects were simulated of the extrusion parameters (screw speed, screw channel depth) on the pressure profile along the screw channel. Two options were used: a screw simulation and an extrusion simulation (screw-die system simulation). The simulations showed the results of the traditional screw simulation to differ considerably from those of the screw-die simulation. Conclusions derived from the traditional simulation may be misleading.