Simulation of Temperature Distribution in Hot Flat Rolling at Low Strain Rates

The technique of sandwich rolling of metals into thinner gauges brings about considerable rolling load economy, stemming the distortion tendency of the rolls which results from excessive roll forces through direct rolling of high strength metal sheets. Authors have however confirmed a persistent excessive rolling load and torque in hot flat rolling at low strain rates (0.01 ? 1.5) s-1. This ?reverse sandwich effect? observed in the hot rolling of steel has been attributed to precipitation hardening and a possible temperature gradient in the material when rolled at low strain rate. This paper investigates the temperature distribution pattern along the height of High Carbon Stainless Steel type 316 during hot flat rolling at low strain rates. Hot Rolling Temperature Distribution (HRTD) program was written in FORTAN 77 languages for simulation of the Reverse Sandwich Model (RSM) developed for the material. Results of the program, using experimental data, show a symmetrical temperature gradient from the rolling surfaces to the middle of the specimen. This justifies the higher load and torque on the rolls. The output of the program compares favorably with experimental results.