Finite volume model for laser-soot interaction for a laser transmission welding process

Abstract

Interaction between laser beam, process effects, and structural properties during welding using models based on the finite element analysis Laser transmission welding, a technique to join thermoplastic components, involves a laser beam passing through a laser-transmitting part being absorbed by a laser-absorbing part at the weld interface. The heat generated at the interface melts a thin layer of the plastic in both parts and forms a joint. Laser-absorbing agents such as dyes or soot particles are added to the laser-absorbing part to make it absorbing to the laser beam. Thermal and optical interaction of the soot particles and polymer with laser beam determines heating, melting, and, consequently, welding of plastics. To form a strong bond, it is important that the weld interface be exposed to sufficient heat to melt the polymer without degrading it. This paper investigates the thermal response of soot particles to a diode laser heat source. A thermal model is presented herein for a soot particle that is surrounded by a semicrystalline material ͑PA6͒ and solved using finite volume technique. The results are then compared to the ones obtained from a finite element analysis solved with a commercial software ͑ANSYS ® ͒. The microscale model predictions for the peak temperature of the soot particle appear to be reasonable when compared with the results of the macroscale finite element models for the same process parameters and set up developed in the previous work of the authors.

Investigation on enhancement of weld strength between PMMA and PBT in laser transmission welding—Using intermediate material

“…These reptation times are under the seconds, and the reptation time for PMMA and PC are much bigger than the time for PBT. The time in molten state for LTW is reported to be in the range of seconds . If the reptation time is much shorter than the process time, the higher weld strength is feasible .…”

Numerical Simulation of Transmission Laser-Welding Melting Depth on Thermoplastic

“…Beer-Lamber Law (Beer Law) is the basic law of light absorption, applicable to electromagnetic radiation and all absorptive materials, including gas, liquid, solid, molecules, atoms and ions [1,2,3].…”

Fast and accurate multi-material model for the prediction of laser welded structural response

“…Some outstanding developments of FE analysis of laser welding have been detailed (Mayboudi et al , 2009; Mayboudi et al , 2010; Shanmugam et al , 2009; Buvanashekaran et al , 2009; Mahnken et al , 2008; Potente et al , 2008).…”