TEMPERATURE AND PENETRATION DEPTH PREDICTION FOR A 3-DIMENSIONAL FIELD BELOW A MOVING HEAT-SOURCE

Predictions for both penetration depth of a specific isotherm and for peak temperatures achieved during processing of brick-type workpieces are inferred. A rectangular heated area is thereby travelled at consta nt speed across the top surface of the workpiece. The model accounts f or the finite cross-track extents of the workpiece as well as for a re alistic heat transfer towards an underlying table. The model is strict ly valid for conduction-dominated processes. New results are obtained for cases where, due to geometry of workpiece and heated area, truly t hree-dimensional heat flow situations are present. This is particularl y relevant, when the bottom plane's heat losses or the limiting side p lanes have a considerable influence on the heat flow. Moreover, it is explored which parameter ranges allow reasonable predictions by using simplified models, as given by several previous studies.