BENCHMARKING AND VALIDATION OF HOT ROLLING SIMULATION MODELS

Abstract

Mathematical models representing the various stages in the hot rolling process of steel production were produced. Simulated models used were validated using the EXCE: package and then subjected to a sensitivity analysis under identical conditions to predict the optimum operating conditions under which the essential process steps can be carried out. The results showed that ferrite grain size is more sensitive to the retained strain than to the cooling rate or the austenite grain size. It was also inferred from the work that a drop in the austenite-ferrite (y – a) transformation temperature leads to an increase in the tensile strength of the steel. This is an agreement with industrial practices.