Abstract
A three-dimensional, thermal-structural finite element model, originally developed for the study of laser–solid interactions and the generation and propagation of surface acoustic waves in the macroscopic level, was downscaled for the investigation of the surface roughness influence on pulsed laser–solid interactions. The dimensions of the computational domain were reduced to include the laser-heated area of interest. The initially flat surface was progressively downscaled to model the spatial roughness profile characteristics with increasing geometrical accuracy. Since we focused on the plastic and melting regimes, where structural changes occur in the submicrometer scale, the proposed downscaling approach allowed for their accurate positioning. Additionally, the multiscale simulation results were discussed in relation to experimental findings based on white light interferometry. The combination of this multiscale modeling approach with the experimental methodology presented in this study provides a multilevel scientific tool for an in-depth analysis of the influence of heat parameters on the surface roughness of solid materials and can be further extended to various laser–solid interaction applications.
Highlights
It constitutes the final part of the geometrical arrangement and is used for the characterization of the samples before and after they were irradiated with the laser pulse
For the study of the generation and propagation of surface acoustic waves (SAWs)’s under pulsed laser irradiation, we developed and demonstrated a series of Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations that focus on monitoring the matter dynamics on the macroscopic level of the solid target
Each one of the sequentially developed multiscale models could simulate the thermal-mechanical laser–solid interactions, according to the irradiated area of interest and the surface roughness profile therein, with a predefined geometrical accuracy. The identification of these positions, where changes in surface roughness took place after their interaction with a single laser pulse in this energy regime, is of high importance, especially for research works that concern changes of matter of micro- or nanoscale order, which affect the material structure, since this is where different types of cracks initialize [26], ripples may be formed [27,28], and mechanical and optical materials’ properties change [29,30]
Summary
Lasers are widely used as a valuable tool for laser material processing [1,2] in highprecision cutting and drilling manufacturing operations [3], as well as in laser-assisted machining [4,5]. Laser–solid interaction constitutes a process of major scientific and technological interest, where complex physical phenomena occur. The thermal, mechanical, and optical properties of the material, the laser parameters, and the surface morphology are factors of crucial importance that influence the interaction of lasers with matter and the subsequent phase changes of the irradiated target [6,7,8,9,10,11,12]. Numerical simulations of laser–solid interactions are essential in order to predict the behavior of the heated matter, to better comprehend the fundamentals of the physical problem, and to provide insights toward the interpretation of the experimental findings
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
