Mathematic modeling and FE simulation of radial-axial ring rolling large L-section ring by shape axial roll

An accurate prediction of the ring diameter growth rate of a large L-section ring during radial-axial ring rolling (RARR) by a shape axial roll is quite essential because it determines the stability of the process and thus influences the quality of the rolled ring. In this paper, a mathematic model predicting the ring diameter of the large L-section ring during the new RARR process is first established. Then, 3D thermo-mechanical coupled rigid-plastic finite element (FE) models of the new RARR process are developed based on the implicit code DEFORM-3D to verify the mathematic model. By setting and adjusting the movements of the work rolls, large L-section rings are rolled. The effective strain distribution of the rolled ring is analyzed. Comparisons between the FE simulated and the mathematic predicted parameters including external diameter, growth rate of external diameter, and rotational speed of the rolling ring are made. The simulated and the predicted parameters are in good agreement, indicating that the mathematic model accurately predicted the size of the rolling ring and thus can be used to provide a guideline in real manufacturing of large L-section rings.