Finite element analysis of the temperature profile of rolls

The thermal conditions during hot rolling operations can adversely affect the rolls’ service life and the quality of the rolled product. Analysis of the temperature profile of the rolls is an essential step towards the development of precise cooling systems to minimise their surface deterioration and thermal bending or camber. This paper makes an attempt at developing a finite element model for analysing the steady state temperature profile of rolls of varying dimensions. Rolls of large surface area exhibit greater differences in temperature between the surface and the interior as compared to those having smaller surface area and therefore make greater demands on the cooling system.