A three-dimensional finite element analysis of a power-law fluid in an extrusion die

This research work is devoted to the development of a mathematical model for the simulation of the flow of polymeric melts through the die region of extruders. The set of the governing equations are solved using the finite element method. Standard Galerkin technique is used in conjunction with the continuous penalty scheme to solve the flow equations. Due to the non-linear nature of the global equations, the Newton-Raphson method is used. In order to show the applicability of this model, we have simulated the flow of a polypropylene (T30S(R)) melt in the die of a single screw extruder. The well-known power-law equation is used to describe the non-Newtonian rheological behaviour of this material. The validity of the present technique under realistic conditions is confirmed by the comparison of the model simulation results with the experimental data.