Assessment of Advanced Laser Materials Processing Technology
Abstract
Since the initial development of continuous high power CO2 lasers, there has been rapid progress in their application to materials processing. Within the past year the laser has strongly impacted the technology for controlled rapid solidification and solid state cooling of metals and alloys. The initial means for achieving rapid cooling was the LASERglaze(TM) process, which involves the melting of thin surface layers at high melting efficiencies so that they remain in intimate contact with the cold, solid substrate material, producing rapid solidification and cooling. Laser-glazing has produced a variety of novel, nonequilibrium structures generally characteristic of rapid cooling. Within the past few months, the LASERGLAZE concept has been evolved into a new process for production of rapidly cooled alloys in bulk form. This process was named LAYERGLAZE, since it involves the sequential deposition and 'glazing-into- place' of thin layers of material in order to build up a dense, bulk part with the structure and properties characteristic of rapidly-cooled alloys. Since the structure is consolidated in-situ, the problem of subsequent consolidation is absent. An important element of the LAYERGLAZE concept is the development of alloys with structures and properties which are ideally suited for specific applications. The alloy design approach has been termed phase decomposition strengthening (PDS). Initial concepts are aimed at improving material properties for aircraft gas turbine parts, and the potential for parts processed in this manner is being evaluated in depth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA049312
Entities
People
- E. M. Breinan
Organizations
- United Technologies Corporation