3-D finite element analysis of laser cladding process. Application to Ti-6Al-4V

In this study, a 3-D thermal numerical modelling of laser cladding by powder injection as a repair technology applied to Ti-6Al-4V was developed. In order to implement the movement of the heat source in the model and the addition of material, a C++ programme was developed. Transition refinement elements are used to reduce the number of degrees of freedom. The temperature distribution and its time evolution were computed which allowed the prediction of the heat affected zone and the fusion size of the substrate. Effects of heat source distribution, energy input are investigated. Temperature measurements validate the model.