Modelling of high-density laser-material interaction using fast level set method

A high-energy-density laser beam-material interaction process has been simu lated considering a self-evolving liquid-vapour interface profile. A mathem atical scheme called the level-set technique has been adopted to capture th e transient Liquid-vapour interface. Inherent to this technique are: the ab ility to simulate merger and splitting of the liquid-vapour interface and t he simultaneous updating of the surface normal and the curvature. Unsteady heat transfer and fluid flow phenomena are modelled, considering the thermo -capillary effect and the recoil pressure. A kinetic Knudsen layer has been considered to simulate evaporation phenomena at the liquid-vapour interfac e. Also, the homogeneous boiling phenomenon near the critical point is impl emented. Energy distribution inside the vapour cavity is computed consideri ng multiple reflection phenomena. The effect of laser power on the material removal mode, liquid layer thickness, surface temperature and the evaporat ion speed are presented and discussed.