Decoupling based decentralized robust control for combined shape and gauge system in tandem cold rolling process

In this paper, we proposed a new control scheme of decoupling based decentralized robust control for a typical two-input two-output system in tandem cold rolling process. A dynamic coupled model of shape and gauge system was developed based on some field data. Then we proposed a new control scheme for the combined system. The controller consists of a decoupler and a set of robust controllers. The interactions could be mainly dealt with by the decoupler, and robust controllers could guarantee good performance of decoupling control and the robustness of each isolated subsystem. An example was given to illustrate the proposed control strategy. Simulation results showed excellent decoupling effectiveness, input tracking, disturbance rejection and parameter perturbation rejection.