Numerical Analysis on the Feasibility of Laser Microwelding of Metals by Femtosecond Laser Pulses Using ABAQUS

Ultrafast lasers of subpicosecond pulse duration have the potential for laser microwelding of micronscale fusion zone. Due to the extremely short pulse duration, laser-metal interaction involving ultrafast laser pulses should be analyzed using the two-temperature model. In this study, the two-temperature model is analyzed using ABAQUS to study the feasibility of laser microwelding with ultrafast laser. A material model is constructed using material properties and the subsurface boiling model. The model is validated using experimental results from the literature. Laser processing parameters of repetition rate, pulse duration, and focal radius are then investigated, in terms of molten pool generated in the material and requirements on those parameters for laser microwelding using ultrafast lasers are discussed.