Finite Element Modeling of Strip Curvature During Hot Rolling

Finite element techniques have been used to decouple some of the major causes of strip curvature in the finishing stages of a hot strip mill. A plane strain elastic-plastic finite element model (HYPERMESH5.0) is used to predict the direction and severity of strip curvature caused by asymmetrical factors at each pass of the finishing mill. Predictions have been obtained using the elastic-plastic facilities of LS-DYNA Version 960. A full factorial experiment was then designed and performed, using finite element predictions, to identify which asymmetrical factors are most influential to strip curvature and to determine the interactions, between factors. The result show that some of the asymmetrical factors are significant to strip curvature, but their influence depends on the rolling pass. This study will allow the rolling operator to identify which asymmetrical factor may be causing strip curvature and, thus, provide a suitable course of action.