UBET analysis of roll torque and profile formation during the profile ring-rolling of rings having rectangular protrusions

Abstract An analytical method using the upper-bound elemental technique is proposed for the simulation of roll torque and profile formation during profile ring-rolling. The plastic flow of material during rolling is described by dividing the whole deforming region at the roll gap into simple elements of rectangular cross-section and a kinematically admissible velocity field for the three-dimensional material flow in a typical element is derived. Comparing with the experimental results, the calculated torque estimation shows good agreement, but the prediction of geometrical change is not so satisfactory for some cases. As an engineering tool for theoretical analysis, the present method can be applied effectively to the profile ring-rolling process.