The numerical analysis of roll deflection during plate rolling

During the plate rolling process, considerable values of the forces of material pressure on the tool occur. These pressures cause the elastic deformation of the roll, thus changing the shape of the deformation region. Plate obtained from the rolling process always exhibits a variable thickness along the width. This state enables the rolling process to be carried out correctly, as thanks to the elastic deflection of rolls mounted on the rolling stand housing it is possible to guide the rolled strip precisely in the centre of the rolling stand. Roll deformation should be, however, controlled, because its too large value causes the permissible deviations in the thickness of the strip along its width to be exceeded. A numerical simulation of roll deflection during hot rolling is presented in the paper. The real conditions of the Plate Rolling Mill of the Częstochowa Steelworks were taken for the simulation. The effect of rolled strip width on the deformation of the working and backing-up rolls was analysed. The investigation carried out has enabled the determination of roll shape during the rolling process.