Validation of Residence Stress Distribution Methodology using 1-D Computer Simulations

Abstract

Residence Stress Distribution (RSD) Methodology was implemented as a tool to quantify the stress history (%BU) experienced by the polymer melt in the Twin Screw Extruder. This thesis focuses on using a computer simulation software called Ludovic, which is a 1-Dimensional twin screw simulation software, that models the co-rotating twin screw extruder. The goals of this research have been on identifying the relationship between the %BU and the physical properties that the polymer melt in the extruder is subjected to, such as the temperature, viscosity, shear rate and shear stress exhibited by the polymer melt. Another objective of this research has been to validate the experimental results obtained using RSD methodology as well as certain assumptions made with regards to the Residence Revolution Distribution (RRD). Computer Simulations are useful in understanding the internal behavior within the twin screw extruder and quantify parameters that are essential to understand the mixing behavior.