UV laser surface processing of metallic alloys: comparison of experimental and numerical results

The modifications resulting from a laser irradiation and which occur in solid materials are located mainly in the near surface region. An examination of the exposed areas and cross-sections allows to determine the influence of such a treatment. For most of materials, a molten layer is formed during the interaction processes and its depth depends on the irradiation conditions. The thickness of this layer can be measured experimentally but can also predicted by a numerical modelling which provides an analysis of the thermal cycles developed into the sample. In the present study, a KrF laser radiation has been used to irradiate metallic alloys in air and experimental and numerical investigations have been performed in order to compare both results. The aim is to provide complementary information for a more complete understanding of the melt front into solid. q1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.