Laser cutting of rectangular geometry into alumina tiles

• von Mises stress attains low values in corner of rectangular geometry.
• Striation patterns are formed at the cut surface due to melt instabilities.
• Combination of high viscous and surface tension forces cause dross attachment.
• High pressure nitrogen assisting gas causes AlON formation at kerf surface.

Laser cutting of rectangular geometry into the 5 mm thick alumina tiles is carried out. Temperature and stress fields, which are developed during the cutting process, are simulated in line with the experimental conditions. The morphological changes in the cutting sections are examined using optical and electron scanning microscopes, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction technique. The predictions of surface temperature and the residual stress are validated through the experimental data. It is found that von Mises stress attains high values in the region of the mid-thickness of the workpiece. The laser cut sections are free from major cracks and large scale sideways burning. The predictions of surface temperature and residual stress agree well with their counterparts obtained from the experiment.