Dynamics Modeling and Simulation of Configuration in Corotating Twin Screw Extruder

Twin-screw extrusion technology, characterized by its continuity, flexibility, and automation, has become increasingly important in the production process of energetic materials. However, traditional civil twin-screw extruders are unsuitable for producing energetic materials with high mechanical and temperature sensitivity due to process and safety limitations. It is imperative to design and optimize a twin-screw extruder suitable for the production process of energetic materials. In this study, nine groups of screw configurations were designed using Ludovic Software, based on an existing twin-screw extruder in a factory. The effect of screw configuration on the critical stimulus of single-base propellant extrusion process was investigated, and the optimal screw configuration was selected. The results indicate that the peak pressure decreases with the reduction of compression segments, while the peak temperature increases with the increase of variable pitch threads. Moreover, the mean residence time increases with the increase of mixing segments. The proportion of viscous heat increases with the increase of compression sections and exhibits different changing trends at different temperatures under the barrel.