New discoveries in cold rolling: understanding stress distribution and parameter dependence for faster, more accurate models

The finite element (FE) method is a powerful tool for simulating industrial metal forming processes such as metal rolling. FE allows users to estimate the stress distribution in the metal sheet during the rolling process. However, FE simulations do not allow for real-time online process control due to model complexity and computational time. This paper forms part of a largescale research project aimed at designing a simple-but-accurate mathematical model that provides sufficiently precise results (compared to FE simulations) with faster computational timescales allowing for real-time process control. To validate the asympotics-based mathematical model, an accurate FE model is required. In this paper, we give a detailed description of a quasi-static Abaqus/Explicit FE model and show how this is optimised to represent the rolling process. We report new insights gained from the FE simulations which can guide the development of simpler, faster mathematical models.