Prediction of spread, pressure distribution and roll force in ring rolling process using rigid–plastic finite element method

The ring rolling process involves 3D non-steady flow and continuous change of radius and thickness of the ring workpiece. In this study, a commercial FEM-code that is especially tailored to ring rolling process, SHAPE-RR™, is used to predict spread, pressure distribution and roll force in plain and T-shaped ring rolling processes. Two cases of plain and T-shaped rings are, respectively, simulated for the prediction of side spread by changing feed-rate and groove factor. Plain ring rolling is simulated for the prediction of pressure distribution and roll force. Compared with earlier experimental works, the results of simulations show good quantitative agreements. It is concluded that the solution tool can be utilized in design and analysis of ring products, process, and tooling and equipment.