A numerical method for the evaluation of the meshing clearance for twin screw rotors with discrete tooth profile points

•A method for meshing clearance evaluation between screw rotors is proposed.•Clearance values are verified the accuracy with a well-known HPMS software.•Gap area and perimeter variations in different meshing gap settings were discussed.•Compressor performance indices with different meshing gap settings are presented.

The performance of twin-screw compressors is primarily affected by the clearance between the pair of meshing rotors. This study proposes a numerical method for meshing clearance evaluation (MCE) for screw rotors, using two normal rack curves that are generated by the discrete male and female rotor profile points. The calculated results are then compared, using the HOLROYD Profile Management System (HPMS) software, in order to verify the correctness. Additionally, clearance band variation with the rotation angle is considered in the compressor performance simulation, to assess the influences on the compressor efficiency.