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Finite element analysis of laser inert gas cutting on Inconel 718

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Abstract

Inconel 718 has high strength, which makes it difficult to cut using conventional cutting methods. In the present study, the laser inert gas cutting of Inconel 718 was simulated by finite element analysis software ANSYS. Finite element method was used to predict thermal stress and kerf width formation during the laser cutting process. ANSYS Parameter Design Language was used to model the Gaussian-distributed heat flux from the laser beam acting on the workpiece. The removal of melted material during laser cutting to form the kerf width was modeled by employing the element death methodology in ANSYS. In addition, laser cutting was simulated at continuous wave (CW) and the effects of laser power and cutting speed on kerf width were investigated. A series of experiments were carried out to verify the predictions. The temperature fields on the workpiece were measured using thermocouples. The kerf width size was measured using a profile projector, whereas the metallurgical and morphological changes at the cutting edge were examined using scanning electron microscopy. A good correlation was found between the simulation and experimental results.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Universiti Sains Malaysia Science Fund project grant no. 6013362 provided by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Malaysia and USM-RU-PRGS project grant no. 8031011 from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 14300, Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia

    K. Y. Nyon, C. Y. Nyeoh, Mohzani Mokhtar & Razi Abdul-Rahman

  2. Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Multimedia University (MMU), 75450, Jln Ayer Keroh Lama, Melaka, Malaysia

    C. Y. Nyeoh

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  1. K. Y. Nyon
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  2. C. Y. Nyeoh
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  3. Mohzani Mokhtar
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  4. Razi Abdul-Rahman
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Correspondence to K. Y. Nyon.

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Nyon, K.Y., Nyeoh, C.Y., Mokhtar, M. et al. Finite element analysis of laser inert gas cutting on Inconel 718. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 60, 995–1007 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-011-3655-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-011-3655-1

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