Computer simulation of conventional and barrier screw extruders

A simulation methodology for both conventional and barrier screws is presented. The overall model includes submodels for the feed hopper, solids transport zone, melting and melt pumping. In barrier screws, the rate of melting of the solids is calculated on the basis of Tadmor's model from solid-bed velocity and the change of solid-bed thickness and width. Comparisons of simulation with experimental data show that the behavior of both conventional and barrier screw extruders can be predicted with reasonable accuracy.