Analysis of laser fusion zone of lotus-type porous metals by 3-dimensional FEM

Effects of pore directions on the profile of fusion zone for lotus-type porous magnesium by OF laser welding has been investigated by comparing the experimental observations and the results of numerical simulation. The three-dimensional finite element calculations were performed, which takes into account equivalent thermal properties and anisotropy of thermal conductivity. There is the pore anisotropy in the profile of fusion zone by laser beam irradiation and the good weldability was obtained when the growth direction of the original pore equaled to the direction of the laser beam irradiation. A good agreement was obtained between the calculated profile of the weld fusion zone and the experimental results.