Axial velocity distribution imparted on thin media transported by layered rolls

• Published in: International journal of mechanical sciences 1999-10, Vol.41 (10), p.1233-1251
• Main Authors: Hinge, Kathleen Conlon, Maniatty, Antoinette M., Chen, Michael, Craig, Kevin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Approximation theory; Continuous conveyors: mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc; Deformation; Dynamic loads; Exact sciences and technology; Finite element method; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Interfaces (materials); Layered rolls; Material handling, hoisting. Storage. Packaging; Mathematical models; Physics; Rolling contact; Rubber coatings; Solid mechanics; Static elasticity; Static elasticity (thermoelasticity...); Strain; Structural and continuum mechanics; Thin media transport; Velocity
• ISSN: 0020-7403; 1879-2162
• DOI: 10.1016/S0020-7403(98)00050-2

An investigation of the axial velocity distribution along a thin media that is transported between flexible rubber-coated rolls is presented. First, a finite element analysis of plane strain static contact between rubber-coated rolls with thin media in the nip is conducted to determine the relationship between coating indentation and normal load. The rubber coatings on each roll are modeled as incompressible, hyperelastic materials using a Neo–Hookean model. Where bearing torque is negligible and the size and angular speed of the rolls is small enough that inertia may be neglected, the static load-indentation relation is a reasonable approximation of the dynamic load indentation relation. Second, a numerical analysis of roll core bending under the applied pinching load is used to determine the axial distributions of load and coating indentation and the deformed shape of the roll axes. In this analysis, the roll cores are modeled as beams and the rubber coatings as springs using the relationship between spring load and rubber coating indentation that was determined in the previous analysis. Finally, assuming steady rolling and a negligibly small slip region in the contact interface, it is expected that the deformation resulting from static indentation at any cross-section is very similar to that for the dynamic loading condition. The deformation from static indentation solutions for various cross-sections along the axis are then used with the known velocity in the undeformed state to determine the average nip velocity at these axial locations. Experiments were used to determine the rolls’ nominal speed ratio as a function of skew angle, as well as to corroborate the numerical results of load and velocity distribution in the nip.