MODEL-BASED OPTIMISATION AND CONTROL OF THE HOT-ROLLING PROCESS FOR THE DESIGN OF STEEL MICROSTRUCTURE

A new integrated approach to carry-out advanced optimisation and control of the hot-rolling of steel is presented. The proposed design includes two stages: (1) OPTIMISATION: Genetic Algorithms and physically-based models describing the kinetics of dynamic microstructural behavior are used, along with an optimisation criterion, to set-up the optimal rolling schedule; (2) CONTROL: advanced control strategies, including Model-based Predictive Control, are used to guarantee the optimal performance of the mill during the rolling process. The overarching aim of this research work is to integrate knowledge about both the stock and the rolling process to find optimal hot-deformation profiles and achieve the desired final steel microstructure and properties.