Analysis of asymmetrical clad sheet rolling by stream function method

A mathematical model for asymmetrical clad sheet rolling is proposed by using the stream function method and the upper bound theorem to investigate the plastic deformation behaviour of sheets at the roll-gap. The curvature and thickness ratio of the rolled product and rolling power, effected by various rolling conditions such as roll speed ratio, roll radius ratio, initial thickness ratio and flow stress ratio of sheets, total thickness reduction, etc., are systematically discussed. Furthermore, experiments on asymmetrical clad sheet rolling are also conducted by employing aluminum, copper, and mild steel as layers of clad sheets. It is found that the theoretical predictions of the thickness ratio of the rolled products, rolling force, and rolling power are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. Through the study, it becomes clear that the proposed analytical method is applicable to simulate the asymmetrical clad sheet rolling processes and is able to offer useful knowledge in manufacturing clad sheets.