Surface processing with non-Gaussian beams

The heat transfer problem of a moving source of heat scanning over a semi-infinite solid is of considerable importance for surface processing with high energy beams. The analytical solution of a moving Gaussian beam is extended by superposition of several Gaussian beams in order to approximate real beam shapes, thus providing high flexibility and accuracy. By superimposing two concentric beams, a real intensity profile with a central minimum was approximated with an accuracy of 13% compared to 35% for the conventional Gaussian beam approach. For the corresponding temperature field, an error of 57% for the depth and 17% for the width of the melt pool was eliminated.