Modelling profile and shape evolution during hot rolling of steel strip

Abstract

Profile and shape control are required to assure the dimensional quality of rolled strip. Occurrence of waves either at the edges or centre of strips is attributed to inconsistency between the entry and exit cross-section profiles of the stock within a given rolling pass. The exit profile of the strip can be computed by considering that the such profile is the complement of that of the roll-gap, which is affected by wear, thermal expansion and distortion of the work rolls A computer model was developed to predict the profile of the roll-gap taking into account the thermal gradient within the work roll and the distortion caused by the acting forces. It was possible to establish a good correlation between the profiles of strips obtained from trials carried out on site, and the predictions of the model. The model allows for the prediction of the onset of shape defects from changes in the profile of rolled strips.