On a Numerical Model of Laser Cladding Process

In this paper, a 2D transient numerical model for the simulation of a laser cladding process with a coaxial powder injection is developed. The model is based on the enthalpy method integrated into a liquid/solid volume fraction approach which can simulate the phase change phenomenon. The physical governing equations solved in the model are: the Navier-Stokes equations for fluid flow, and the energy equation including phase change for heat transfer within the powder, clad and substrate. A Volume-of-Fluid (VOF) algorithm is used to obtain the solution of the free surface. The model is capable of predicting the clad height, dilution depth and final shape of the clad. The simulations were performed for titanium particles on a titanium substrate. The simulations show that the clad height is decreased with the laser power, the scan speed, and the substrate and particle temperature.