Simulation of ring rolling using a rigid-plastic finite element model

Abstract

This paper describes details of a finite element model for analysing three-dimensional flow in the roll gap during radial ring rolling between plain cylindrical rolls. The model considers such factors as curvature of the workpiece, unequal roll diameters and the fact that the inner roll or mandrel is unpowered. The results of the analysis compare favourably with experimental observations. Fishtailing is predicted satisfactorily, also the form of the pressure distribution in the roll gap, which shows twin peaks under some rolling conditions. The method has the merits of easy handling and short calculation time. It should be a useful aid to the design of ring rolling and other asymmetric rolling processes.