The contact pressure distribution in flat rolling of wire

A contact pressure distribution which differs from the expected has been seen in finite element (FE) simulations of cold flat rolling of drawn wire. Instead of having a maximum at the center of the contact surface, the highest pressure is observed at the entrance to the contact zone, in the shape of a horseshoe. The pressure distribution is believed to influence the lateral spread, as indicated by experiments, and the wear of the rolls. A possible explanation of the pressure distribution is given. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.