FORMATION OF WEAR-RESISTANT SURFACES BY LASER-PLASMA SURFACING

Abstract

Purpose. The use of mathematical modeling of the combined laser-plasma surfacing process with separate functions of energy sources for its parametric analysis, study of patterns of temperature distribution, establishing of optimum processing parameters. Design/methodology/approach. The high cost of laser radiation energy and increase costs during increasing productivity of surfacing process restricts the use of this technology. The actual cost reduction is the process of laser gas power surfacing by means of the use of cheaper auxiliary power sources. The result of these research has become the process of laser-plasma surfacing when functions of each energy source are clearly differentiated. Energy of plasma is used exclusively for a preparatory stage of the process: transportation and heating of powder to the temperature of 0,8-0,9Тm. The laser beam melts a certain amount of material basis and leads to the melting point of heated plasma powder. The high speed of flow processes complicates the experimental investigation and requires the use of mathematical modeling. Methods of computer modeling lets receive information on the temperature of the field during laser-plasma surfacing by using differential equations in partial derivatives. For account of use of adaptive methods for solving equations it is possible to search for optimal parameters of laser radiation also parameters of plasma sources and modes of processing. Findings. There has been designed software for developers of combined laser-plasma surfacing processes, and for specialists in numerical modeling. Originality / value. The result of the research is the process of laser-plasma surfacing clear demarcation of functions for each energy source that allows increasing productivity of surfacing without any adequate increase the cost of the process.