Dynamic Simulation of Temperature Field in Nd:YAG Laser welding using Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Nd:Yag laser welding process has successfully used for joining of dissimilar metals i.e. copper and steel. The distribution of the temperature field in laser welding using copper and stainless steel sheets was simulated by ANSYS®. The thermal properties are used for thermal simulation and the physical properties are used for structural simulation. Traveling heat source model of ANSYS® was used for simulation purpose. Thermal simulation shows the heat effected zone and the temperature distribution at different position of the sheets. The temperature distribution mainly depends upon the properties of the material i.e. thermal conductivity, specific heat and the density of the material. These properties vary as anon linear function of temperature. The combination of stainless steel and copper welded joint has very important applications in industry. In this project, laser welding of stainless steel with copper was studied at different values of beam energy and welding speed and variation of power. A 9 kW Alpha laser AL200 Nd:YAG laser was used to weld 1 mm thick copper and stainless steel sheet material. The photographs of the welded seams were taken in different power conditions.