Effect of laser power on laser-assisted diamond cutting performance of single-crystal γ-TiAl alloy

In this study, a model for laser-assisted diamond cutting was constructed via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The impact of laser power on the cutting performance of γ-TiAl alloys was comprehensively elucidated. Grounded in the theory of dislocation accumulation and annihilation, as well as the work hardening mechanism, the influences of different laser powers on deformation behavior, cutting force, phase transition, and subsurface damage during cutting were revealed. The findings indicate that laser power directly influences the extent of work hardening and laser-induced softening, and plays a decisive role in material removal and processing quality. Compared with conventional cutting, insufficient laser power results in more pronounced work hardening and ploughing effects, thereby augmenting the cutting force and the damage on the subsurface of the workpiece. When an appropriate laser power is employed for cutting, the cutting performance can be enhanced by reducing the cutting force, and the subsurface damage and surface residual tensile stress can be diminished. Moreover, as the laser power increases, the material removal mode transitions from shear-based removal to amorphous-based removal. This study offers guidance for optimizing the parameters of the laser-assisted diamond turning process.