Modeling of laser energy concentration in narrow gap joints

Conference · Mon Nov 30 23:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:291167

Milewski, J O ^[1]; Mustaleski, T M ^[2]

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1. Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
2. Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc., TN (United States)

A three-dimensional, computer based, optical ray tracing model is used to simulate the combined effect of key geometric parameters for laser welding. This allows one to characterize a range of joint designs for their ability to concentrate or dissipate laser energy. The effects of angle dependent absorption and diffuse reflections on beam transport are evaluated through simulation to determine the contributions of these effects on the system. The effects of energy loss through weld joint gaps are modeled for common weld joint preparations. Practical applications of extending the optical design of the system to include the weld joint are proposed.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 291167
• Report Number(s): LA-UR--98-2311; CONF-980657--; ON: DE99001138
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN
LASER WELDING
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
WELDED JOINTS