Resistência à corrosão e simulação numérica da temperatura e tensões induzidas na refusão superficial a laser da liga aerospacial Al–1,5% Fe

Abstract

In this work, the aerospace alloy Al–1.5wt.%Fe was submitted to laser surface remelting (LSR). This process occurs thought the application of a localized laser radiation with high power density, causing fast heating and melting of the irradiated material, following with high rates of cooling causing the non-equilibrium solidification of the treated layer. In the present work a broad experimental survey was made in relation to microstructure, composition of the resulting phases, morphology characterization, microhardness and corrosion resistance of the treated layer and the results were compared with the untreated sample. Predictions through the numerical simulation were done relative to the thermal history, heating and cooling cycles, the depth of the treated layer and the thermal stress caused by sudden heating and cooling of the treated layer. The results indicate that the high cooling rates of the order of 104 K/s promoted the formation of metastable intermetallic phases and oxides. Due to the laser treatment there was an increase in microhardness, reduction in surface roughness and there was an increase in corrosion resistance about fourteen times on the studied electrolyte. These results indicate that laser surface remelting is an effective tool for upgrade the surface quality of parts that require high level performances. The RSL technique is a modern technology for surface processing and it is being applied in industry such as automotive, aerospace and energy.