Regression models for predicting plate plan view pattern during wide and heavy plate rolling

On the basis of Shagang Group’s 5000 mm heavy plate mills, conventional rolling processes with different broadside rolling ratios were simulated by the three-dimensional rigid plastic thermomechanical finite element (FE) model developed in the author’s previous work. By analysing the simulation results, it was found that the final plate plan view patterns after hot rolling processes were bound closely to the broadside rolling ratio and the finishing rolling ratio. Then, predictive models for plate end edge shapes and side edge shapes were formulated by nonlinear regressive analysis of the simulation results and modified by the lengths of the uneven shapes for higher accuracy. The validity of the prediction models was confirmed by comparing the predicted concavity and convexity lengths with those measured from industrial tests. The predicted plate edge shapes were in good agreement with those of the FE simulation. On the basis of the plate plan view pattern prediction models, methods to improve the plate plan view pattern are discussed.