A parametric study of a blown powder laser cladding and alloying process using a two-dimensional conduction model

Abstract

A two-dimensional model has been developed to predict the temperature field and melt pool shape during blown powder laser cladding. A finite volume method has been used to solve the two-dimensional energy equation for a body moving relative to a stationary laser heat source. A boundary fitted coordinate system has been employed as the built-up surface geometry is complex. Important dimensionless groups representing laser parameters power (P) and scanning speed (U) and the process parameters built-up height and average dilution are identified. The effect of laser parameters on process parameters is investigated. For cladding P/U should always be kept low (less than 1) to reduce the average dilution, and in order to achieve the desired clad height the power level P should be controlled.