Features of laser radiation interaction with metals having cryogenic temperature

In this paper we determine the features of the thermophysical processes involved in the interaction of laser radiation with metals that have cryogenic temperature. To do so, we use a one-dimensional model that involves heating a semi-infinite solid by a point thermal source with a constant flux density. Temperature fields, heating and cooling rates in the laser-irradiated zone for iron and titanium at the ambient temperatures of 77 (liquid nitrogen), 293 and 573 K were calculated. The intensity of the laser irradiation enabled the melting temperatures of 1933 K and 1812 K on the Ti and Fe surface, respectively, to be reached. The duration of the laser pulse was 4.5 ms. We show that a drop in ambient temperature from 573 to 77 K leads to a rise in cooling rate from 3.25 × 103 and 6.4 × 106 K/s to 4.25 × 103 and 1.3 × 107 K/s in the Ti and Fe targets, respectively. Agreement was good between the calculated depths of melting and phase transformation isotherms and the experimental depths of the interfaces of melting and heat-affected zones.