The development of a fast and robust computer model for metal rolling

Abstract A combined analytical/numerical solution method is developed to solve the equations that describe stresses in the plastic deformation of metal strip during rolling together with the resultant roll flattening. This gives a model that is more robust and computationally faster for the same accuracy than standard numerical schemes. Initially, the model assumes the elastically deformed rolls to be approximated by a circular arc profile when in contact with the strip, but it is later extended to calculate the deformed roll profile from the pressure profile through the roll gap. Both versions are suitable for on-line use in predicting the necessary roll force for the rolling of metal strip to a given thickness reduction.