Numerical simulation and experimental investigation of continuous-pulse composite laser cleaning of dual-layer oxide scales on 50Mn steel
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Efficient removal of oxide scales from 50Mn steel is important for maintaining the surface condition of load-bearing components. In this study, continuous-pulse composite laser cleaning was investigated for a dual-layer oxide scale consisting of a loose Fe 2 O 3 and dense Fe 3 O 4 . A three-dimensional transient thermo-mechanical model was established in COMSOL Multiphysics, with the continuous-wave and pulsed beams represented as moving Gaussian heat sources and the pulsed-laser recoil pressure applied as an equivalent transient boundary load. A temperature-threshold criterion was used to predict oxide-removal depth. The predictions were validated using SEM/EDS characterization and quantitative cross-sectional metallographic measurements of residual oxide thickness. The effects of continuous-wave power density, single-pulse energy density, pulse spot overlap ratio, and normalized beam offset were investigated. Increasing the energy input generally increased the simulated removal depth, whereas excessive heat accumulation promoted remelting, spatter redeposition, secondary oxidation, and increased residual oxygen. The selected parameters were a continuous-wave power density of 1.13 × 10 10 W/m 2 , a single-pulse energy density of 5.09 J/cm 2 , a spot overlap ratio of 70%, and a normalized beam offset of δ = 1.0. Under these conditions, the simulated average removal depth reached 50.35 μm, close to the modeled oxide thickness of 55 μm. The surface O content decreased from 24.99 to 3.45 wt%, while the Fe content increased from 73.70 to 95.32 wt%. These results demonstrate that coupling continuous-wave thermal action with pulsed-laser transient removal enables efficient removal of the dual-layer oxide scale while maintaining a favorable post-cleaning surface condition.
Source: Optics & Laser Technology
Institution: Shandong Academy of Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Computational Mechanics
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,230
OpenAlex ID: W7221780321