SSEM: a computer model for a polymer single-screw extrusion

A fully predictive computer model SSEM (single-screw extrusion model) has been developed for the single-screw plasticating extruders (with conventional and non-conventional screws of different geometry, and different dies as well). The model takes into account five zones of the extruder (hopper, solids conveying, delay zone, melting zone, melt conveying) and the die, and describes an operation of the extruder–die system, making it possible to predict mass flow rate of the polymer, pressure and temperature profiles along the extruder screw channel and in the die, solid bed profile, and power consumption. The simulation parameters are the material and rheological properties of the polymer; the screw, hopper and die geometry; and the extruder operating conditions (screw speed and barrel temperature profile).