Numerical modelling of a non-Newtonian fluid in the twin-screw pump

Abstract

Twin screw pump is a positive displacement pump, which is widely used in numerous type of foodstuff applications. Numerical CFD analysis presented in this paper focuses on the investigation of the influence of the clearances and the non-Newtonian behaviour of the fluid. The pump operates at low rotational speed and low inlet pressure. As the first step 3D CFD simulation of twin-screw pump non-rotating segment has been carried out using static mesh without rotation. Various empirical equations have been applied to represent the viscosity relations for non-Newtonian fluid in simple shear. The results are compared for two different values of clearances and various approaches to non-Newtonian fluid description. The obtained results showed the effect of both tested parameters. The physical experiment is under preparation to validate the calculation results.