Horizontal Velocity of Variable Gauge Rolling: Theory and Finite Elements Simulation Original Research Article

Within the production chain of longitudinal profiled (LP) plates and tailor rolled blanks (TRB), variable gauge rolling (VGR) represents the vital important forming stage, in which shape and properties are tailored to satisfy customersʹ requirements. It is of vital importance to reveal the relationship between work-piece horizontal velocity and roll vertical velocity during VGR, which is not only a key point to understand the deformation law, but also an important content for setting VGR process parameters. It is proved that the simplified assumption of equal discharge per second condition (EDSC) breaks down during VGR. Due to this reason the differential equation of the work-piece horizontal velocity (VGR-V) is performed by keeping the material volume constant. To attain a comprehensive understanding of this underlying process in detail, numerical approaches based on finite elements method have been performed by utilizing the Abaqus Explicit. Rolling experiment is carried out which indicates that the numerical result coincides with the experimental result well. A fine spatial discretization of work-piece is essential for special emphasis has to be put on detecting different horizontal velocity of work-piece cross section, often leading to a hundred thousand degrees of freedom even for plane strain calculations. The data obtained by using Abaqus Explicit coincide with the results determined by theory. A theoretical basis on deformation parameters and mechanical parameters during VGR process is provided.