Laser multi-beam heating of moving steel sheet: Thermal stress analysis

Laser multi-beam processing of sheet metals is favorable for controlling the stress levels in the heated region through proper setting of the positions of laser beam spots at the heated surface. In the present study, thermal stress analysis of laser multi-beam heating of a moving steel sheet is investigated. Temperature and stress fields in the irradiated region are predicted using a finite element model. In the analysis, temperature dependent properties are used to account for the variable properties. It is found that presence of multi-spots at the surface modifies temperature and stress fields in the heated region, which is more pronounced with increasing intensity at the irradiated spots.

► Two temperature peaks are resulted along the x-axis and first temperature peak has higher value than second peak.
► Location of von Mises stress peak differs from the location of temperature peak.
► Presence of multi-spots modifies significantly temperature and stress fields in heated region.