Review of Experimental Study on Melt Pool Flow Dynamics during Laser Material Processing

doi:10.3901/JME.2023.05.291

Abstract

Abstract: As the basic unit of laser material interaction, the molten pool experiences transient and localized heat and mass transfer, which have a great influence on the formation of microstructure and macro-defects. Understanding the flow behavior mechanisms of the molten pool and adopting certain control strategies are the keys to obtain high-quality laser material processing parts. With the continuous development of test equipment and technology, experimental study of flow behaviors is moving in the direction of depth and refinement, and up to now, certain achievements have been made. The development and applications of experimental research methods are introduced, and the research progresses of molten pool flow behaviors during laser welding and laser additive manufacturing are summarized. Firstly, the driving forces in the molten pool and their main influencing factors are presented. After that, progresses of visual experimental research on molten pool flow using direct and indirect methods are reviewed and discussed, and the current main control strategies of molten pool flow are summarized. Finally, the further research on the flow behavior mechanism of the molten pool and more efficient strategies of molten pool flow control are prospected.

Key words: laser welding, laser additive manufacturing, molten pool flow, convection flow control

CLC Number:

TN249

FU Yanshu, LU Cong, YE Xiaojun, XIAO Xianfeng, CHENG Manping, SONG Lijun. Review of Experimental Study on Melt Pool Flow Dynamics during Laser Material Processing[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2023, 59(5): 291-306.

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