Prediction of temperature evolution by FEM during multi-pass hot flat rolling of aluminium alloys

In rolling, deformation is applied by a series of passes, which are necessa rily separated by holding periods between passes. The formation of the temp erature profile therefore has a complex history. Accurate information on th e time variation of temperature is essential for predicting microstructural development during hot working conditions and for the design of an accepta ble rolling pass schedule. In the present paper, the finite-element method is employed to compute temperature changes under both laboratory and indust rial breakdown rolling conditions. The calculated results are then compared with temperature records extracted from the literature. The difference bet ween laboratory and industrial rolling is discussed. By using inverse analy sis methods, appropriate heat transfer coefficients can be ascertained.