Laser cutting of thick-section circular blanks: thermal stress prediction and microstructural analysis

Laser cutting of thick-section circular mild-steel blanks of 10 mm thickness is examined. Thermal and stress fields developed in the cutting zone are predicted using finite element method and the simulation conditions are selected in line with the experimental parameters. An experiment is carried out to assess the geometric features of the cut surfaces. The morphology of the cut sections are examined using optical and scanning electron microscopes and energy dispersive spectroscopy is carried out for elemental composition of the cut surface. It is found that laser cutting of thick steel blanks results in substantial conduction loss from the cutting zone, which results in high-temperature gradients and large stress levels in the cutting section. The cut edge features such as local dross attachment, striation patterns, and microcrack formation in the cut section are also examined.