Simulation of Light-Propulsion Acceleration of Powder Particles for Laser Direct Metal Deposition

The results of the numerical analysis of heat- and mass-exchange processes at powder particles motion in a gas flow and radiation during the laser direct metal deposition are presented. The model regarding the particle acceleration due to the lightpropulsion force caused by the vapor recoil pressure from the beamed surface of the particle is proposed. The reactive force results in the noticeable particle acceleration toward the radiation direction, and the particle velocity may exceed significantly the velocity of the carrying gas. The radius of particles slightly varies due to the evaporation; the losses in the clad material mass are negligibly small.