Laser Treatment for Strengthening of Thin Sheet Steel

Abstract

This paper presents the results of computer simulations and experimental studies, aiming to increase the mechanical strength of sheet metal parts manufactured from high-quality structural carbon steel by means of local laser processing. The effects of laser processing on the strength of steel sheet plates and their ability to resist bend load after laser treatment were studied. The results of bending experiments and computer simulations of elastoplastic deformation establish that local laser processing with surface melting can be used to increase the mechanical strength of structural elements made from thin sheet steel C22E and to decrease its deflection under similar workload, as an alternative to the application of complex geometric shapes, additional strengthening elements, or heat treatment.