The use of CAD applications in the design of shredders for polymers

Abstract

Computer-aided design is now the primary design tool, providing opportunities for improving project quality, allowing for in-depth analysis of the specific features of the solution. In the methodology, computer simulation applications were used. Computer simulation aims to reconstruct the course of the studied process from its mathematical model using a computer and to examine the influence of the environment (input signals) and the internal properties of the object (process parameters) on the characteristics of the object. In designing the shredder, in addition to the selection of structural features, it is also possible to perform strength and kinematic simulations, resulting in a higher quality of the target solution. The results of the simulation work presented in the paper indicate a wide range of possible applications-also in the field of food engineering and processing of polymers-eg shredder mechanisms. Particular attention has been paid to the reduction of energy consumed by the deformation of samples, eg by pre-compaction of sample before introduction to the working area of the shredder. It has been estimated that the gap between the rotating discs should be minimized. Establishing design guidelines has resulted in a number of concept designs.