Optimization of surface morphology and mechanism of liquid-assisted combined laser removal of surface rust on Q235 steel

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of liquid-assisted laser cleaning on the optimisation of surface morphology and the mechanism of combined laser removal of surface rust on a Q235 steel. A simulation model for liquid-assisted continuous nanosecond combined laser removal of surface rust on a Q235 steel has been developed to examine the effects of varying liquid thicknesses and energy densities on the temperature, removal morphology and stress of the rust layer. The results indicated that the cooling and protective effects of the liquid, along with the impact force generated by its evaporation, reduce the oxide content of the substrate surface and alleviate the formation of re-melted layers, resulting in a flat and smooth substrate. This study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the application of liquid-assisted laser cleaning technology.