Finite Element Modeling of Molten Pool Geometry During Laser Surface Treatment of Ti6Al4V Alloy

Microstructural changes induced by surface laser treatment have garnered considerable interest in both academic and industrial research. This study presents a novel finite element (FE) model designed to capture the influence of laser scanning speed on the surface heat treatment of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The laser process simulation was performed using a commercial FE software, incorporating a three-dimensional conical Gaussian heat source model to replicate the thermal effects. This approach enables the prediction of critical industrial aspects, such as the width and penetration depth of the molten pool, during surface laser treatment. The model provides a comprehensive numerical framework capable of accurately simulating the thermal phenomena involved. Validation against experimental data confirms the model's accuracy in predicting temperature-dependent welding characteristics. The results highlight the significant impact of laser scanning speed on the final geometry of the laser track in the treated samples.