Numerical-simulation Study Of Radial-axial Ring Rolling Process’s Effects On Ring’s Deformation

The complicated radial-axial ring rolling technology is used mainly to manufacture large rings, in which the radial and axial section of rings are rolled at the same time. With the rapid development of aerospace industry, wind and hydroelectric power, nuclear industry and other industries, the quantity and quality requirements for large rings are increasingly high. Compared with traditional free forging ring technology, radial-axial ring rolling has the advantage of high productivity, high quality, saving material and energy, etc.The key control model of automatic radial-axial ring rolling mill is rolling curve and ring growth speed curve. In fact, the relationship between radial and axial feed speed is defined by rolling curve, and radial and axial feed speed value is figured out though ring growth speed curve. Three rolling curves are proposed and studied in this paper, by use of the3D-FE analysis simulation software named Simufact.forming. The quality of those finished rings and ring growth speed curves are contrasted and analyzed. The auto-generated method of rolling curve and ring growth speed are also given in this paper.Guiding rolls and axial rolls play an important supporting-role in the ring rolling process. The maximum value of the guiding roll’s clasp force is figured out by virtual work principle method, while the theoretical value of the clasp force is given through the analysis of the force condition in the rolling sections. The fluctuation of the clasp force in the ring rolling simulation process is analyzed, and the result shows there is a corresponding relationship between the clasp force’s fluctuation and ring’s defect. In addition, the computing and adjustment method of axial rolls’revolving speed are also given in this paper.There are many difficulties for ring rolling large rings because the control condition is exceedingly complicated, no matter it is computer simulation or actual production. In this paper, those difficulties in computer simulation process are indicated and reasonably simplified, and a large flanged ring and a large cylindric ring are simulated, which uses reasonable rolling curve and ring growth speed curve. At the same time, the problems appeared in the simulation process are analyzed, and the achievements would provide a reference for the later simulation work of large ring.