Blank design optimisation for T-section ring rolling

Abstract

A T-section ring can be considered to consist of two rectangular section rings joined together, which can be described as an outer ring and an inner ring. As this is a complex shape, it is difficult to process a T-section ring by rolling, and a good design of blank is necessary. In this paper, four blank designs and rolling process were studied using finite element analysis. One was a rectangular cross-section, the other three were T-section but with varying flange rim volumes. In the three designs there is a volume flow from the outer ring to the inner ring during rolling, which is disadvantageous to good shape formation. One design had no material flow from outer to inner ring resulting in good ring shape. This had an initial blank design where the volume of metal in each of the two 'part' rings were equal to that of the final ring, respectively.