A strategy to reveal the laser ablation resistance mechanism of Cu-W alloy: experiments and simulations

ABSTRACT Cu-W70-90 (wt.%) alloys were prepared by infiltration method, and the laser ablation experiments were conducted. The laser ablation resistance mechanism of Cu-W alloy was revealed with the guidance of the mathematic model coupling heat and fluid flow. By comprehensively analysing the calculation and the experimental results, the laser spot generated giant heat which will vaporise and melt the alloy respectively close to and away from the centre of the laser spot. The vaporisation of the alloy and the temperature gradient opposite to the laser propagation direction will significantly affect the flow field and make the molten alloy splash around. It was also quantitively proven that the W-rich phases with a high melting point can significantly increase the ablation resistance of Cu-W alloy by decreasing the ablation depth. The calculation results present a relatively high accuracy, this work will thus contribute to the application of the mathematic models in the laser processing field.