Simulation and Analysis of Feedforward Automatic Gauge Control for a Hot Strip Finishing Mill

In order to fully understand dynamic behavior of the thickness variation and conduct off-line process tuning, a dynamic simulator for the feedforward Automatic Gauge Control (AGC) for a hot strip finishing mill in China Steel Corporation is developed. One of the major factors influencing on deviation of delivery thickness of the steel strip is the temperature variation caused by cyclic contact between the steel strip and beams, which transfer the strip in the hot rolling process. This temperature difference brings about hardness variation along the strip, which is known as skid marks. Simulation results and system analysis verify that the feedforward AGC system is capable of overcoming the high frequency thickness variation disturbed by the cyclic temperature difference, which usually cannot be effectively compensated by regular gaugemeter AGC feedback loop. A strategy to locate the optimal feedforward gain is also proposed.