Three-dimensional simulation of the edge rolling process by the explicit finite-element method

Abstract

Due to a recent emphasis on resource and energy saving technologies in the steel industry, steel slabs are now produced from continuously cast stock. Efficient operation of the continuous casting equipment limits the number of mould sizes, and width control is carried out by vertical rolling (edge rolling). The value of a finite element analysis based on an explicit dynamic formulation with geometric and material non-linearity for simulating edge rolling and subsequent flat rolling to investigate optimum rolling procedure to minimize crop losses is demonstrated. Edging with flat rolls, calibre (grooved) rolls and flat rolls with roll-gap control were compared and the result of subsequent flat rolling was investigated. It was concluded that the explicit dynamic finite element method with appropriate damping can be a useful tool for the design of optimum rolling schedules. Although necking of the ends of slabs increased slightly when calibre rolls were used for edging, a more favourable dog- bone shape was produced so that the result was achievement of better control of slab shape after flat re-rolling.