A 3-D finite element method analysis of cold rolling of thin strip with friction variation

In this paper, a three-dimensional rigid-plastic finite element method (FEM) model to simulate the cold rolling of thin strip with different friction models is described. The effects of rolling parameters, such as work roll diameters and reductions, are analysed in this study. The simulation and experimental values of rolling pressure and spread (the difference of strip width before and after rolling) show a good agreement when friction variation in the roll bite is considered. The roll separating force, spread and forward slip for constant friction and friction variation models are also compared. The friction variation in the roll bite has a significant effect on the simulation results. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.