A Computerized Analysis of Flow Parameters for a Twin-Screw Compressor Using SolidWorks Flow Simulation

Abstract

Twin-screw compressors (TSCs) are widely used in various industries. Their performance is influenced by several parameters, such as rotor profiles, clearance gaps, operating speed, and thermal effects. Traditionally, optimizing these parameters relied on experimental methods, which are costly and time-consuming. However, advancements in computational tools, such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), have revolutionized compressor analysis. This study presents a CFD analysis of a specific model of a TSC in a 5 male/6 female lobe configuration using the SolidWorks Flow Simulation environment—an approach not traditionally applied to such positive displacement machines. The results visually present internal flow trajectories, fluid velocities, pressure distributions, temperature gradients, and leakage behaviors with high spatial and temporal resolution. Additionally, torque fluctuations and isosurface visualizations revealed insights into mechanical loads and flow behavior. The proposed method allows for relatively easy adaptation to different TSC configurations and can also be a useful tool for engineering and educational purposes.