Measurements of Normal and Friction Forces in a Rolling Process

To improve the quality of frictional data and to validate the simulations in rolling, a load transducer for measuring normal and friction stresses in the deformation zone has been developed. The transducer consists of a strain gauge equipped insert embedded in the surface of the roll. The length of the insert exceeds the contact length. By analyzing the output from the insert, the friction stress and normal pressure in the contact zone can be determined. The new concept differs from existing pin designs by a lower disturbance of lubricant film and material flow and limited penetration of material between transducer and roll. The transducer is tested at laboratory conditions and is expected to be running in industrial conditions in 2004.