The numerical
results for an extruder of 63.5 mm (2.5 in.) diameter
processing LDPE have been validated satisfactorily with the
corresponding experimental data of Palit [8]. Furthermore,
an excellent comparison of the experimental dimensionless
downstream pressure gradient at the end of the metering
section with that predicted by the present quasi three-dimensional
model also confirms the accuracy of the present work
which was not otherwise obtained by a two-dimensional
computer model of Palit [8] which implicitly considers the
effect of cross thermal convection with that predicted by the
present quasi three-dimensional model also confirms the
accuracy of the present work.