Study on an analytical model of asymmetrical and symmetrical tailor rolled blank rolling

A new model suitable for both asymmetrical and symmetrical tailor rolled blank (TRB) rolling is proposed by the slab method. In the transition zone of TRB, the work roll moves up or down during the rolling process to carry out variable gauge rolling (VGR). The difference of rolling pressure between VGR and conventional rolling is analyzed. The results reveal that the rolling pressure, rolling force, and rolling torques in downward rolling are larger than those in conventional rolling, while in upward rolling phase, they are less than in the conventional rolling. The variance between VGR and conventional rolling is related to the transition zone shape factor and roll radius. A larger transition zone shape factor results in a more significant difference between VGR and conventional rolling. The effect of roll speed ratio on mechanical parameters during the VGR is nearly identical to that observed in conventional rolling. With the increase of roll speed ratio, the thickness ratio of TRB increases. The VGR force calculated using proposed model agrees well with the experimental values, with a maximum error of 9.7%.