Coiled aluminium sheet

Industrial basis
Control of tensile properties is of key importance for producers of aluminium sheets.  For example, the increased focus on using secondary aluminium in sheet production calls for a better understanding of process robustness and the effects of alloy variations on tensile properties. There is a need for reliable modelling tools. Tensile properties predicted by a model must, however, have a very high accuracy in order to be useful for controlling and developing the industrial process.

Scientific basis.
Relations between the microstructure evolution and the mechanical phenomena during deformation processes such as rolling are very complex. At present, quantitative models based on first-principles have limited industrial interest and benefit due to their lack of quantitative accuracy for industrial alloys and processing conditions. AluSheet is therefore based on a set of semi-empirical equations, which can be adjusted to fit experimental alloy and tensile data supplied by the production control database in the rolling plant. This gives a fast and accurate code, although the ability for extrapolation beyond the limits in the database is limited.

Screenshot of AluSheet, effect of annealing temperature on tensile properties in AA3003

Project results.
AluSheet is a mathematical model for various rolling and annealing steps in the rolling plant. The modelling tool relates the tensile properties of the final sheet product, i.e., ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation at fracture, to alloy composition, process parameters, and sheet thickness.

Industrial implementation.
AluSheet is implemented in Hydro Aluminium Rolled Products' plants at Holmestrand and Karmøy. It is being used in daily alloy/process optimisation as well as in research and development.

Contact person: Dr. Asbjørn Mo