Causes of chatter in a hot strip mill: Observations, qualitative analyses and mathematical modelling

Severe vibrations, known as chatter, occur often in both hot and cold rolling of steel. A recent chatter outbreak at the second stand of hot strip mill in Hastings, Australia, prompted an investigation into the causes of chatter by a literature review, the development and deployment of mathematical models, and a rigorous analysis of plant observations. The investigation suggests that the frictional conditions in the roll gap are the principal cause of chatter in this mill, though residual chatter marks on work rolls can occasionally cause it. The frictional conditions appear to be associated with the thickness and properties of oxide formed on rolls.