Ring Rolling FE Analysis in The Presence of the Guide Rolls

A new method (thermal spokes) is proposed to simulate the guide rolls in FE analysis of the ring rolling process. So far this method is the only one, capable of calculating guide rolls reaction contact forces related to the stiffness of their adjustment mechanism. The method is simple to use, does not introduce further nonlinearities and could be used in any kind of FE formulations. The method is successfully employed in FE analysis of rectangular and T-section rings. The results of the thermal spokes method, a new analytical method based on lever arm principle with experimental results are in good agreements. This analysis shows that the guide rolls greatly affect the process. Keywords: ring rolling, finite element method, guide rolls, thermal spokes