Transient, Three-Dimensional Heat Transfer Model for the Laser Assisted Machining of Ceramic Materials Available to Purchase

A three-dimensional, unsteady heat transfer model has been formulated for predicting the temperature field associated with the laser assisted machining (LAM) of ceramic materials. The model considers a rotating silicon nitride workpiece heated by a translating CO₂ laser, with material removal occurring at a location corresponding to the cutting tool. Movement of the workpiece relative to the laser source and cutting tool at the conclusion of a preheat phase significantly influences the workpiece temperature distribution, particularly at the material removal plane, by facilitating the transport of thermal energy deposited by the laser to the chamfer (the boundary between removed and unremoved material). Relative to predictions without material removal, the chamfer represents a significant thermal resistance to heat transfer, thereby increasing temperatures in the material removal plane at the conclusion of the preheat phase and causing a slower decay in the average temperature in this region as machining continues. The temperature distribution within the machined material remains nearly uniform for the investigated operating condition.