Shape control in Sendzimir mills using both crown and intermediate roll actuators

The solution to the shape control problem for a Sendzimir mill, utilising the As-U-Roll shape actuators, is well understood. The tapered first intermediate rolls, however, provide a more powerful shape control device. This paper describes a control philosophy utilising both the As-U-Rolls and first intermediate rolls as shape control mechanisms. A robustness result for the design is developed, which is useful, since such a mill is normally used to roll a large number of materials, and a single controller must therefore be employed for many different schedules. Finally, a variety of simulation results are presented, showing the transient responses and performance of the multivariable shape control system.