The Development of Ring Rolling Technology - Part 2: Investigation of Process Behaviour and Production Equipment

Abstract

This is the continuation of a thorough survey of work on ring rolling published in the English and German languages up to 2004 [see No. 2/3, p.111-120]: The methods used to investigate the process are reviewed, separated into experimental and theoretical categories; the insights gained from these investigations are organised according to the challenges identified at the outset; developments in the control and operation of the process are described. Having given a set of ideal targets for the process, the state of current knowledge about ring rolling is assessed in order to predict likely developments: process modelling capability is nearly able to predict rolling behaviour for a complete cycle with sufficient accuracy to allow effective use of models for design of rolling schedules and preforms; analysis of material behaviour is relatively mature for steel rings, but has scope for significant extension for titanium and aluminium alloys and composites; design choices that seek to extend the flexibility of the process have had some exploration, but could be extended.