FE modeling of the cooling and tempering steps of bimetallic rolling mill rolls

Numerical simulations enable the analysis of the stress and strain histories of bimetallic rolling mill rolls. The history of rolling mill rolls is simulated by thermo-mechanical metallurgical finite element code while considering two steps: post-casting cooling and subsequent tempering heat treatment. The model requires a notably large set of material parameters. For different phases and temperatures, Young modulus, yield limit and tangent plastic modulus are determined through compression tests. Rupture stresses and strains are obtained by tensile tests. Thermo-physical parameters are measured by such experimental methods as dilatometry, DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) and Laser Flash methods. Such parameters as the transformation plasticity coefficients for the ferrite, pearlite and martensite phases are identified through an inverse method. From the simulation results, the profile of the stresses evolution at different critical times is presented. An analysis of the potential damage is proposed by comparing the predicted axial stress with rupture stresses. The perspective of the Ghosh and McClintock damage criteria is also investigated.