Abstract: A new layer multiplier (SK-LME) is designed based on the principle of static mixer. Four main design parameters of SK-LME are proposed, i.e. element diameter (D), element thickness (t), element torsion angle (φ) and torsion angle per unit (θ). The SK-LME with D of 12 mm is selected to study. The lamination process of melt in SK-LME is given through flow field simulation and tracer particles. The layer thickness uniformity coefficient (C_h) is introduced to characterize the lamination quality. The effects of t, φ and θ on pressure drop (ΔP) and C_h are analyzed by orthogonal test, and the influences of φ, rotation direction and flow rate are investigated using single factor test. The results showed that t,φ and θ are the significant factors affecting ΔP, while φ is the only significant factor affecting C_h. When φ changed from 90° to 210°, ΔP gradually increases with the increase of φ. C_h first increases and then decreases with the increase of φ, and the maximum value appear when φ=135°. The rotation direction has little effect on pressure and C_h. The flow rate has a greater impact on pressure and a smaller impact on C_h.

Key words: micro-nano layer multiplier, layer-multiplying element, numerical simulation, tracer particle, pressure drop