A Kinetic Theory approach for laser pulse heating process

Pulsed lasers are being widely used in industry for their high precision and low cost in material processing. In order to understand the laser machining mechanism, a thermal analysis of the process is of utmost importance. In the present study, heat transfer mechanisms relevant to pulsed laser heating is solved numerically using the Kinetic Theory approach for different types of laser pulses. A comparison between the temperature profiles developed due to different pulses is also carried out. In the heat transfer model, conduction and convection due to melting and evaporation are considered. The laser pulse profiles introduced in the analysis are selected as appropriate to laser machining processes. Stainless steel is selected as the heat transfer medium.