Surface Machining Of Artificial Small-scale Flaws By Laser Ablation Routes In Hardmetals: Implementation And Potential Application For Assessment Of Damage Tolerance

Authors:

Laia Ortiz (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain),
Chao Liu (Xiamen Tungsten Co., Ltd., China),
Luis Llanes (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain),
Emilio Jiménez-Piqué (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain)

Abstract:

The precision offered for laser ablation has positioned it as an effective technique to generate micronotches used for evaluation of mechanical properties in structural materials. However, similar approach has not been attempted for hardmetals; thus, it becomes the main objective of this work. Dimple-like and elongated micronotches are introduced in a fine-grained 9%wtCo WC-base hardmetal using a laser machining platform consisting of a solid-state Nd:YLF, Q-switched laser set-up. In doing so, laser processing parameters are first optimized to attain micronotches with geometry and size similar to common critical flaws found in cemented carbide specimens. Success of the implemented approach is then validated through subsequent flexural testing and fractographic inspection of surface notched samples. The suitability of laser ablation for shaping artificial small-scale flaws opens a new route for introducing “controlled” defects, alike those intrinsic to processing or induced during service, key aspect for further understanding damage tolerance issues in cemented carbides.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59499/WP225367422