Figure 11 Degree of fill distribution along the screw axis for 1 kg/h and 88 rpm.
The degree of fill was calculated by summing the filled element of the FEM and dividing the total capacity of the screws, as shown in Eq. (29). The degree of fill distribution along the screw axis is shown in Figure 11. From the feed port, the degree of fill slightly increases to the kneading disc section where the degree of fill is unity. Then, the degree of fill drops and increases again in the kneading disc section. Over the kneading disc section, the degree of fill slightly increases to the exit of the extruder. The degree of fill measured by the laser light section method is shown as “○.” The simulation (0.111) and experiment (0.092) agree well with each other. Their discrepancy is 0.019.