Finite element analysis of the bulge defect forming and eliminating on tube continuous rolled by full floating mandrel mill

Based on the ABAQUS explicit dynamic simulation platform,the finite element model of single stand mill with restrained mandrel was adopted to research the influence of mandrel - roller velocity ratio (MRVR),mandrel friction and tension between stands on rolling force.The analysis results show that when the MRVR is lower than 1,the rolling force increases obviously with the increase of MRVR and reaches the peak value when the MRVR is about 1.The rolling force increase induced by the MRVR increase is the main reason of the formation of the bulge defect on the tube head and tail at the entering and exiting stage during tube continuous rolling process by full floating mandrel mill,which can be intensified by the increase of mandrel friction coefficient.The rolling force decreases with the increase of tension.As the tension is larger, the rolling force decrease amplitude is larger.The influence of backward tension on rolling force is greater than that of forward tension distinctly.Tension control can be used to decrease the rolling force increase induced by the MRVR increase,which is imposing tension at the same time when the MRVR increases,in order to improve even eliminate the bulge defect,and enhance the tube dimension precision.