Coupling optical-thermal simulations of laser-induced temperature fields in in-situ laser-assisted diamond turning

While the laser-induced temperature field is a critical representation of the thermal softening capability of in-situ laser-assisted turning (In-LAT), quantifying its correlation with the characteristics of laser beam propagation within single crystalline diamond tool is crucial. In the present work, we propose a novel coupling framework between the optical simulation of laser beam propagation and the thermal finite element simulation of laser-assisted turning, aiming to quantify the laser-induced temperature field in In-LAT. Specifically, optical simulations of laser beam propagation within diamond tool based on the ray tracing model are conducted to explore the profile and energy distribution of emitted laser spot from tool tip, as well as their dependence on varying laser incidence parameters. Subsequently, thermal finite element simulations of In-LAT, which implement the laser spot information from the optical simulation, are carried out to investigate the laser irradiation-assisted thermal behavior of workpiece material. Resultantly, the coupled optical-thermal simulations are capable of elucidating the intricate interplay between the laser propagation characteristics within diamond tool and the corresponding thermal characteristics within workpiece. The influence of laser incidence parameters and turning parameters of In-LAT on the temperature fields is further evaluated. These findings provide guidelines for the optimization of In-LAT configuration for improved capability of thermal softening.