Application of evolutionary algorithms to the design of barrier screws for single screw extruders

Abstract

An optimization approach based on Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEA) - the Reduced Pareto Set Genetic Algorithm with Elitism (RPSGAe) - is used to design barrier screws for single screw extruders. A numerical modeling routine able to describe the thermo-mechanical experience suffered by the polymer inside the extruder is developed. A specific screw design methodology is proposed and used to optimize conventional and barrier screws. In this methodology, the fittest screw geometry is chosen after performing a sensitivity study of a set of "best" screws to limited changes in operating conditions. © 2006 Springer.