Application and validation of an enhanced tribological model for cold strip rolling

The coefficient of friction, required as an input parameter to many cold rolling models, is usually estimated empirically or based on parameter identification with a validity that is then confined to specific rolling scenarios only. To overcome this major restriction, an enhanced tribological cold rolling model has been developed, accounting for mixed lubrication conditions typically prevailing in the roll bite. This model predicts the film formation process in front of the roll bite and the resulting lubrication regime and friction conditions in the deformation zone based on many important tribological influence parameters (e.g. the lubricant composition, surface roughness, rolling pass parameters). For validation purposes, the developed model has recently been applied to estimate the rolling performance in tandem cold rolling mills with good agreement of calculated and measured rolling forces. The latest development activities aim at the implementation of an additional wear module, which utilizes the modelling results to account for the influence of wear and its consequences on strip surface cleanliness.