The development of ring rolling technology : Part 2 Investigation of process behaviour and production equipment

Year: 
2005
Authors: 
J. M. Allwood, A. E. Tekkaya, T. F. Stanistreet
Abstract: 

This is the continuation of a thorough survey of work on ring rolling published in the English and German languages up to 2004 [see No. 2/3, p.111-120]: The methods used to investigate the process are reviewed, separated into experimental and theoretical categories; the insights gained from these investigations are organised according to the challenges identified at the outset; developments in the control and operation of the process are described. Having given a set of ideal targets for the process, the state of current knowledge about ring rolling is assessed in order to predict likely developments: process modelling capability is nearly able to predict rolling behaviour for a complete cycle with sufficient accuracy to allow effective use of models for design of rolling schedules and preforms; analysis of material behaviour is relatively mature for steel rings, but has scope for significant extension for titanium and aluminium alloys and composites; design choices that seek to extend the flexibility of the process have had some exploration, but could be extended.