Extrusion of semi-solid fibre-cement composites: process simulation and extruder design

Author(s): Xiangming Zhou, Laurent Jeanmeure and Luiz Wrobel
Paper category: Proceedings of the International RILEM Conference Materials, Systems and Structures in Civil Engineering 2016 Segment on Fresh Concrete
Editor(s): Lars N. Thrane, Claus Pade, Oldrich Svec and Nicolas Roussel
ISBN: 978-2-35158-184-1
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-185-8
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2016
Pages: 146-155
Total Pages: 10
Language : English

Abstract: Extrusion is a well-established industrial process for materials commonly utilized in mechanical engineering (high temperature metal processing), chemical engineering, pharmaceutical engineering, ceramic engineering, food engineering etc. The process is usually simulated with the help of models of various complexities that are generally fluid-based in their approach. Semi-solid fresh cementitious pastes, however, tend to be denser and more cohesive and they exhibit coupled viscous, elastic and plastic properties. Thus, they create a challenge when aiming to determine their constitutive mechanical properties and simulate various processes of them for manufacturing valuable products. This paper will show, via the use of FEM simulations, that a conventional screw-extruder design for highly flowable materials can potentially disrupt the integrity of semi-solid fibre-cement composites for prefabricating building elements. A series of guidelines for the design of a screw-extruder aimed at prefabricating building products is proposed from short discrete fibre reinforced semi-solid cementitious composites. Parametric studies are carried out on key factors affecting extrusion production rate and extrusion energy consumption for optimized extruder design.

Online publication : 2016
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00