Laser hardening process optimization using FEM

Abstract

In given work a method for optimization of the process of laser hardening of steel parts is developed. The approach is based on the finite element method (FEM) using computer program "COMSOL Multiphysics" (module Heat Transfer in Solids) -software for multi-physical processes simulation. This method allows to reduce the number of laser hardening experiments, replacing them with numerical calculations, and to find the optimal parameters of the used laser equipment. To perform the calculations it is necessary to know the hardening temperature range of the particular steel grade, the martensite formation start temperature, the critical value of the cooling rate, the material density, the thermal conductivity k = k(T), the specific heat capacity C p = C p (T) and the surface reflectivity R = R(T, ), where T temperature, -wavelength of laser beam.