An integrated model for hot rolling of steel strips

For hot rolling of steel strips, a computer simulation model was developed that completely integrates different phenomena such as the mechanics and the heat transport in the strip and the roll, and the metallurgical behavior of the strip. Using the standard finite element procedure, basic equations for metal flow, elastic deformation and heat conduction/convection with different boundary conditions were discretized and solved. Combined with a metallurgical model the recrystallization kinetics and the phase transformation in the strip can be predicted. In conjunction with a low-cycle fatigue model the roll life in service can be estimated. Naturally, the macroscopic roll loads can also be determined. The integrated model has been verified by experimental data.