Feed Curves for Controlling Ring Rolling Stability in Large-Scale Flat Ring Rolling Process

Due to the large wall thickness difference and serious instability in the large-scale ring rolling process, most studies on the feed curve are not suitable for a large-scale ring. The production cost of the large-scale ring is high, and if plastic instability occurs, it will cause a great waste of resources. Therefore, in this study, a staged feed strategy based on the evolution of ring instability is proposed with the objective of controlling the rolling stability of a large-scale ring. Firstly, based on the law of rolling instability evolution, the rolling stage during the rolling process is divided. Secondly, the coordination of all rolling stages is proposed as a factor to design the feed curve. The feed scheme is determined using the central composite design (CCD) method, and then the established mathematical model is applied to obtain the radial feed curves of a large-scale flat ring with a 5 m diameter for different schemes. Next, the designed feed curve was submitted to finite element method (FEM) simulation. According to the FE simulation results, a rolling map for controlling roundness error, eccentricity and vibration is established. Finally, the feed curve in the stable region is input to the FE simulation and the production trial to obtain the results of roundness error, eccentricity and vibration. A comparison of the simulation and production trial results shows that they are in good agreement, which proves the reliability of the feed curve designed based on the stable rolling region in the roll map. Moreover, the machining amount for both the simulation and production trial is below the maximum machined value.