Evaluation of the thermal field developed during pulsed laser treatments: semi analytical calculation

A semi-analytical model has been developed and computed in order to evaluat e the thermal field created at a sample surface during a pulsed laser treat ment. At low computing costs, this model allows us to take into account the different evolutions of the physical parameters (absorptivity, thermal dif fusivity and conductivity, etc.). Main equations are given and the model ha s been applied to estimate the maximum temperatures reached during a Nd-YAG (Q-switched) laser treatment of titanium samples. Results are compared wit h the experimental observations and further developments of our computing p rogram are evoked. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.