Numerical Analysis of Temperature Field in Laser Cladding on Teeth Surfaces of Gear Shaft

Abstract

Temperature field of laser cladding on teeth surfaces of gear shaft was numerical simulated with finite element analysis software – ANSYS. The simulation result show that the heat caused by laser beam is concentrated inside the tooth mostly. An effect of preheating in the adjacent tooth is also brought about by injected laser energy. In order to make use of the effect of preheating and avoid the concentration of heat, all of the corresponding flanks of teeth should be cladded first and the other flanks of teeth be cladded secondly in the process of laser cladding. It is also shown that the problems of excessive melted down and collapsing of tooth-tip would be easily resulted in by the heat that concentrated in tooth-tip if the tooth-side and tooth-tip be cladded at the same time. The results of analysis and experiment show that at least two times of scanning should be executed in the process of laser cladding on teeth surfaces. At the first scanning, dimension of laser beam should be reduced properly. And the tooth-tip should not be irradiated directly by laser beam. After the first scanning, the gear should be circumrotated a certain angle. And the included angles between the two sides of tooth-tip and horizontal plane should be approximately equal. Then the second scanning could be prosecuted at the tooth-tip. Experiment results show that continuous and compact cladding coat could be gained by this craft. It is proved that this technological craft is reasonable and effective.