A new model for the plate leveling process based on curvature integration method

Leveling is a process used to minimize the plate defects including flatness imperfections and uniformity of internal stress in the plate industry. It plays an important role in delivering the desired material properties and product standards required. This paper presents a new mechanics model for predicting the leveling process of plates. First, the mechanics model is developed based on the curvature integration method. Next, a global nonlinear unconstrained optimization method is utilized to solve this model. Then, the presented model is evaluated by comparative study to experimental data. Finally, the leveling process is studied using our model. It is found that the bending curvature of the plate is highly sensitive to the contact angles between the plate and the roller. The defective plate with different initial curvature tends to be flatted and the residual stress can be reduced effectively after being leveled. ► A new mechanics model is presented for predicting the leveling process. ► The simulation result is verified by comparing to the experimental data. ► The parameters of the leveling process are studied in detailed. ► The model has a potential application for setting the roller gap.