A finite element approach to transient thermal analysis of work rolls in rolling process

The three-dimensional transient thermal problem of work rolls in the entire rolling process has been formulated It includes the time-varying boundary conditions specified at the roll surface taking the schedule of both rollin g and idling cycles into consideration, The corresponding finite element eq uations are derived and solved by the Runge-Kutta-Verner method. The finite element solutions indicate that the temperature variations in the circumfe rential direction are overwhelming. Case studies unveil the thermal charact eristics of the work rolls in various kinds of mill operations. The effects of the specific heat and the angular velocity of the work rolls are presen ted. Numerical results are compared with Guo's analytical solutions. [S1087 -1357(00)01604-X].