Distributed parameter modeling of hot-melt extrusion

Abstract

Hot-melt extrusion is increasingly used in industry for product forming. In this context, mathematical modeling plays an important role to determine the best process operating conditions, but also to possibly develop software sensors or controllers. This study proposes a distributed parameter model consisting in partial differential equations derived from mass and energy balances. This model has the particularity to take screw geometry variations into account. Moreover, the location of the boundary between partially and completely filled regions in the extruder is accurately tracked thanks to a specific transformation of spatial coordinates.