In this work a numerical analysis of a process of laser melting of metal surface is conducted. We focus on processing of AISI 304 stainless steel. A numerical model of laser light absorption, heat transfer, dynamics of melt pool and melting is presented. Dynamics of melt pool include effects of surface tension force, Marangoni convection and natural convection. Further on results of the analysis are presented which include simulations results in wide range of process parameters. Based on calculated flow field in melt pool typical flow patterns are presented along with resulting melted region and temperature fields on melt pool surface. Effect of laser beam intensity distribution on temperature and velocity fields is discussed. Results of simulations are compared with existing experimentally obtained melted area geometric properties and temperature on surface of a workpiece. Comparison shows qualitative agreement. Based on simulations results an effect of latent heat and melt pool dynamics on the results of the simulations of the process of laser melting of metal surface is analysed.
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