Mathematical modeling and experimental analysis of the hardened zone in laser treatment of a 1045 AISI steel

the aim of this work is to develop a mathematical model to predict the depth of laser treated zone in the lth process. the fourier equation of heat conduction is solved by using the finite difference method in cylindrical coordinates in order to study the temperature distribution produced in a workpiece and hence to obtain the depth to which hardening occurs. the theoretical simulations are compared with results produced experimentally by a co2 laser operating in continuous wave, showing good agreement.