This book deals with a novel and practical advanced method for control of tandem cold metal rolling processes based on the emerging state-dependent Riccati equation technique. After a short history of tandem cold rolling, various types of cold rolling processes are described. A basic mathematical model of the process is discussed, and the diverse conventional control methods are compared. A detailed treatment of the theoretical and practical aspects of the state-dependent algebraic Riccati equation technique is given, with specific details of the new procedure described and results of simulations performed to verify the control model and overall system performance with the new controller coupled to the process model included. These results and data derived from actual operating mills are compared showing the improvements in performance using the new method. Material is included which shows how the new technique can be extended to the control of a broad range of large-scale complex nonlinear processes.

Tandem Hot Metal Rolling Mill Control is a response to the significant control engineering challenges posed by the nature and circumstances of the hot metal strip rolling process. The process is large, complex, multivariable and nonlinear with significant disturbances and subject to multiple situationally dependent time delays all of which are exacerbated by the demands of an ever-more-competitive marketing environment for its product. The book provides innovative solutions not available with previously existing methods of control. It introduces new advanced control methods, including a nonlinear control method based on an advanced state-dependent Riccati equation technique coupled with virtual rolling to improve performance during various regimes of mill operation. The book begins with a brief history of metal rolling and an overview of the tandem hot metal rolling process. It then discusses process models, including physical-system and state-space equations, and control methods currently being used in tandem rolling. The exposition of the new advanced control method uses figures and simulations to facilitate thorough understanding of the methods and their applicability in the real world. The final chapter concludes with a brief discussion of variable-speed drives as typically used in modern installations. Although sufficient mathematical treatment is provided to support the development of novel concepts, the presentation is not highly mathematical, making the text readily understandable and useful to a variety of readers in both academic and practical engineering milieux.

With the publication of this book, newcomers to the field of steel rolling have a complete introductionto the cold rolling process, including the history of cold rolling, the equipment currentlyin use, the behavior of the rolling lubricant, the thermal and metallurgical aspects of the subject,mathematical models relating to rolling force and power requirements, strip shape, and thefurth er processing of cold-rolled steel. The first book in print to examine in detail the three componentsof the cold-rolling process- the mill, the work-piece, and the rolling lubricant-this bookcan be used as a training manual and as a source for reference and research. The manuscript version of this book has already been in use as a textbookin courses on cold rolling and rolling lubrication and is now published for thebenefit of all in-training personnel-both operating and supervisory-in theprimary metals industry and for undergraduate and graduate students inmetalworking. The interrelationships of the three components, described in terms ofmathematical models, are of considerable value to engineers associated withprimary metals and metal research, to mill builders, and to electrical equipmentsuppliers. For plant metallurgists, the book relates product quality to operating conditions;for the steel user and purchaser, it affords insight into the variousprocesses associated with the manufacture of steel sheet and strip.

Rolling is an important metal forming process which involves the passing of metal stock through a pair of rollers. It is categorized depending on the recrystallization temperature of the metal rolled. This book covers the entire gamut of rolling technology in one volume. It begins with a brief history of rolling, and goes on to discuss different rolling processes, the deformation of materials, and the classification of rolling mills and stands. The book discusses rolling applications of steel blooms, slabs, bars, plates, rods, heavy sections and non-ferrous metals in detail. It covers important rolling process parameters, including rolling friction, stress and strain across rolled strip thickness, rolling torque and power and roll separation force. It also provides details on the design and applications of various rolling equipment, including mill rolls, neck bearings, spindles, coilers and decoilers.