Numerical simulation on edge roll profile control characteristics of strip rolling mill based on RPECT

With the increasingly stringent quality requirements for cold-rolled strips in high-end manufacturing sectors such as aerospace and new energy vehicles, the precise control of transverse thickness difference in cold rolling has become a critical technical bottleneck restricting the improvement of product precision. Based on roll profile electromagnetic control technology (RPECT), this study proposes a novel high-efficiency electromagnetic stick featuring a multi-zone induction heating zone structure. Compared with traditional segmented electromagnetic sticks, this design offers more abundant heat transfer paths, a more rapid thermal response, and a more uniform temperature rise in the contact zone. It aims to address the issues of insufficient edge drop control capability and limited work roll profile adjustability in single-stand and tandem rolling mills during the production of thin-gauge strips. Drawing on theories of heat transfer and electromagnetism, a numerical simulation model for electromagnetic-thermal-force multi-physics coupling was established to investigate the roll profile control laws of the new electromagnetic stick versus the traditional segmented one at various limit control positions. The results indicate that the new structure can improve the temperature distribution and heat transfer paths of the induction heating zone, thereby enhancing the average temperature rise and temperature uniformity in the contact zone. It can achieve roll profile control capability equivalent to that of the traditional structure even with reduced magnetic parameter settings, thereby verifying its high-efficiency control advantages. As the electromagnetic stick is positioned closer to the roll center, its maximum thermal bulging capability exhibits a slight attenuation trend, but the attenuation amplitude remains within 3 μm. Furthermore, the asymmetry of the edge roll profile gradually decreases as the installation position moves further away from the roll end. This study validates the feasibility of the multi-zone induction heating structure, providing theoretical support and a design basis for multi-physics actuators for edge drop control in modern strip rolling mills.