Numerical and experimental investigation of the heat-affected zone in a laser-assisted machining of Ti-6AI-4V alloy process

The aim of this work is to develop a 3-D transient finite element model for a moving Gaussian laser heat source to predict the depth of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and temperature distribution in a Ti6Al4V alloy workpiece. It is found that the temperature profile and depth of HAZ are strongly dependent on the parameters of the laser beam. The thermal model simulations are compared with results produced by experimental work and these show close agreement.