Mechanical modelling of friction variation in slab edging with a finite element method approach

Friction variation at the interfaces between two vertical rolls and a slab being plastically deformed by the vertical rolls is considered by both theoretical modelling and practical simulation. In this paper, the authors analyzed and simulated the slab edging process, employing the constant friction and friction variation models. Programming was performed on a PC, and the shape of the slab, the roll separating force, the distribution of rolling pressure, strain and strain rate are obtained. Simulation results show that when the friction variation is considered, the computed roll separating force and shape of slab are in good agreement with the experimental values, and the developed numerical model is efficient and stable.