Analysis of 3D plastic deformation in vertical rolling based on global weighted velocity field

Energy method is an essential theoretical approach to analyze plastic forming, which is widely used in rolling process. An analysis model for vertical rolling process is established according to energy theory. By using global weighted method firstly, the 3D continuous velocity field, strain rate field and the corresponding power functional are proposed. The unknown variables are calculated numerically based on the principle of minimum energy. Then, deformation parameters and rolling force are determined. The analysis on specific examples shows that the theoretical prediction value of weighted model is in good agreement with experimental results. Moreover, the effects of several shape and rolling parameters on rolling force, rolling power and edge deformation are studied. Both the width reduction rate and initial slab thickness have significant influences on dog-bone size and rolling force. A wider slab slightly increases the nonuniformity of dog-bone deformation. And the increase of vertical roller radius can weaken the edge deformation.