In this work the derivation of a nonlinear plant simulator of a Steckel Hot
Rolling Mill process is shown. The simulator reflects the thickness crown
and tension behaviour of the strip, while the temperature, shape and flatne
ss behaviour of the strip fall outside the scope of this work. Roll gap, st
and, tension and hydraulic actuator models are incorporated in order to yie
ld the simulator. The nonlinear simulator is used to identify a linear mode
l for control system design, The linear model was identified at a certain o
perating point associated with a particular pass of a multiple pass rolling
schedule. Step tests were applied to the manipulated variables of the simu
lator, and using system identification (SID) techniques a linear time invar
iant (LTI) multivariable input output (MIMO) transfer function model was id
entified. Lastly an initial control problem is formulated.