Three-dimensional thermo-mechanical finite element simulation of the vertical–horizontal rolling process

This paper presents a three-dimensional thermo-mechanical analysis of the vertical–horizontal rolling process utilised in the large width reductions of slabs in hot strip mills. The theoretical analysis is based on the utilisation of the finite element flow formulation to characterise the material flow, to predict the distribution of temperature and to estimate the roll separating force. The numerical predictions were verified by metal experiments performed at the hot strip mill unit of Bao Steels (China). The experimental work consisted of the monitorisation of the surface temperature and of the roll separating force for several rolled slabs. The theoretical distribution of stress obtained from the numerical simulation of the process is also analysed.