Finite element solutions for flow in a single‐screw extruder, including curvature effects

Abstract

Abstract Slow developed flow in an extruder channel has been set up as a two‐dimensional, variational problem using a helical coordinate system, thus avoiding the usual geometrical simplification. Continuity is enforced by an integral form of constraint, and solutions for isothermal, Newtonian flow are obtained by a finite element method for both shallow and deep, highly curved channels. The performance of the solution procedure as a function of Lagrangian multiplier is discussed. Convergence to correct solutions is demonstrated for the shallow channel case. Deep channel results are compared with analytic predictions, curvature corrected according to Booy. Further testing of deep channel results will be made against experimental data.