Transient simulation of laser beam propagation through turbulent cutting gas flow

Abstract

For many laser machining applications, an assist gas is required. However, for applications with high pressure or temperature gradients, the density of the assist gas is not homogeneous. Thus, the laser propagation is influenced by the density properties within the turbulent gas. In this article, an overview and example results of the influence of a nozzle geometry on the light propagation in two dimensions are presented.