Advanced finite element modelling of plate rolling operations

The aim of this work was to develop an advanced finite element model of a plate mill, including the major mill components, the mill set-up engineering condition, the profile of the mill rolls (incorporating ground-on profile, thermal camber and wear effects), the stock geometry and the stock material properties, allowing detailed study and simulation of plan-view shape evolution. Following calibration, the model results will be used to quantify the influences of mill/rolls/stock condition on PVS/yield loss, and to compare the effectiveness/mutual interactions of potential control actuators/strategies.