Thermo-mechanical modeling of two phase rolling and microstructure evolution in the hot strip mill: Part I. Prediction of rolling loads and finish rolling temperature

Part I of this paper deals with the simulation of a hot strip mill from the roughing mill exit to the end of the finishing mill. The commercial finite element software, DEFORM was used to simulate deformation and heat transfer. Recrystallisation and grain growth occurring in the strip were modeled using semi-empirical equations available in literature. Comparing model predictions with industrial data indicated that the γ → γ + α transformation occurred in the finishing mill. The applicability of the model was investigated for 18 plain carbon steel strips of final thickness 2.0–4.0 mm with 0.025–0.139%C. The loads and finishing rolling temperatures were predicted with an accuracy of ±15% and ±15 °C, respectively.