A simple model for laser drilling

A simple mathematical model of laser drilling is proposed. Assuming axi-symmetry of the process around the axis of the laser beam, a one-dimensional formulation is obtained after cross-sectional averaging. The novelty of the approach relies on the fact that even after dimension reduction, the shape of the hole can still be described. The model is derived, implemented and validated for drilling using lasers with intensities in the GW/cm2 range and microsecond pulses.