On the problem of choice of rolling speed in the rolling of Bethlehem beams

In this paper a mathematical model of the beam-rolling process on a stand of a reversing mill is considered. An optimal control algorithm of the stand function is constructed, this algorithm being based on the Maximum Principle of Pontriagin and Bellman's method of dynamic programming. This research was undertaken under the auspices of the Nizhniy Tagil metallurgical state company, with the intention of the findings being used in the 1300 bethlehem beams shop (a ‘bethlehem beam’ is a special type of H-beam with a wide flange, a ‘1300 bethlehem beam’ indicating that the rolling mill has a pinch roller of 1300 mm diameter).