Three-dimensional metal particle flow simulation during the whole rolling process for 60 kg/m heavy rail

Abstract

Three-dimensional metal particle flow simulation during the whole rolling process for 60 kg/m heavy rail was accomplished by explicit dynamic finite element method and modified updating geometric method. A finite element model, physical parameters of U71Mn, and parameter setting of simulation were introduced in detail. The metal flow rules of typical metal particles in rolled stock cross-section during the whole heavy rail rolling were obtained. Meanwhile, the continuous casting slab with artificial surface cracks, referred to as “circle” holes, was rolled in actual production line of Wuhan Iron and Steel (Group) Company. The finite element method calculated results of cross-sectional metal particles for U71Mn heavy rail are in good agreement with the experimental ones. It is shown that the explicit dynamic finite element method and modified updating geometric method can be used effectively to analyze the metal particle flow during the whole heavy rail rolling process.