Modeling and Simulation of Laser Processing

Abhinaya Parameswaran

OVERVIEW

Simulated a 3D laser-heating process, for the UC Berkeley course Modeling and Simulation of Advanced Manufacturing Processes, using the finite-difference method to model heat transfer, intensity absorption, and temperature distribution in a solid medium. Implemented Beer–Lambert-based laser absorption and applied the first law of thermodynamics to compute transient temperature fields across a 21×21×21 node mesh (9,261 nodes), assuming adiabatic top and bottom planes and uniform heat dissipation throughout the volume. Validated numerical accuracy through exponential laser-intensity decay with depth and correlated top–bottom plane temperature trends. Visualized thermal gradients across each plane, showing realistic spatial decay consistent with expected laser energy attenuation.

HighlightS

Built a 3D finite-difference model (9,261 nodes) simulating transient heat transfer under laser input.
Captured realistic exponential laser-intensity decay and temperature gradients across the volume.
Visualized 3D heat distribution and ~300 K temperature differential between illuminated and base surfaces.
Demonstrated integration of thermal modeling, thermodynamics-based validation, and data visualization.