Methods of CFD modelling of twin-screw pumps for non-newtonian materials

Abstract

The twin-screw pump is designed for pumping highly viscous materials in the food industry. Rheological characteristics of materials are important in the specification of design parameters of screw pumps. Analysis of flow in the twin-screw pumps with definition of non-newtonian materials can be made by numerical modelling. CFD generally oriented software ANSYS Fluent and ANSYS Polyflow has been used for modelling. In this study those software's (ANSYS Fluent and ANSYS Polyflow) were defined for solution of flow in the twin-screw pumps. Results were compared for the same boundary conditions on the inlet and outlet of the 3D model. For definition of the viscosity were used the Nonnewtonian power law. Parameters as consistency coefficient and flow exponent for Nonnewtonian power law were analysed by software ANSYS Fluent and ANSYS Polyflow. Postprocessing form ANSYS Fluent and ANSYS Polyflow were made by contours of field and by graphs.