Research on load distribution rules of rollers under the roll-gap fluctuation

During the slab continuous casting process, the top frames of the hydraulic segments slope along the casting direction because of their gravity and install error. This slope changes ideal roll-gap into sawtooth shape. Then the fluctuation of roll-gap declines the quality of continuous casting slab. This paper describes an investigation into the roll-gap fluctuation using MARC to model continuous casting process. A three-dimensional model including ten pairs of rollers, slab and the contacts between them has been constructed and applied to case studies. The FEM model involving in thermo-mechanical coupling, elasto-plastic and creep is adopted to calculate the deformation of cast slab and the forces of rollers under different roll-gaps. Three typical roll-gaps that are ideal roll-gap, supposed roll-gap 1 and supposed roll-gap 2 are also discussed. The analysis produces outputs such as the load distribution rules of rollers under different roll-gaps. The indications are that the FEM model is rational and analysis outputs provide theoretical reference for the regulation of roll-gap during continuous casting process.