Publication: Investigating the Solids-Conveying of a Single Screw Extruder using the Discrete Element Method

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Title	Investigating the Solids-Conveying of a Single Screw Extruder using the Discrete Element Method
Authors/Editors*	P. A. Moysey, M. R. Thompson
Where published*	Polymer Processing Society annual conference
How published*	Proceedings
Year*	2004
Volume	Akron, OH.
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Abstract	A three-dimensional, non-isothermal model of the solids-conveying zone within a single screw extruder has been developed using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The model represents the dynamics of a dry granular medium of plastic pellets on a discrete particle basis, predicting solids motion based on the displacement-force law. Results were first from the numerical model for the solids-conveying zone under zero compression, open discharge conditions. Comparison of the predicted data with both literature results and experiments conducted on a 50 mm extruder, has shown the DEM approach to be in good agreement with the physical behavior of high-density polyethylene pellets while confined to friction-dominated flow. The dynamic, discrete nature of the model enables examination of the solids motion on a local level, providing insight into the motion of solids in the cross-channel direction, as well as capturing the low amplitude, high frequency variation in flow caused by the rotation of the screw. Results have been included which consider minor compaction of the solids assembly without permanent deformation.