Multi-Physics Modeling in Curved Surface Laser Cladding: Impact of Scanning Trajectories and Cladding Parameters on Temperature Field and Coating Thickness

In order to apply laser cladding technology to the complex surface processing of hot-working dies, this study developed a numerical model for curved surface laser cladding along various scanning trajectories under multi-physics coupling considering the dynamics of the molten pool, cladding parameters (scanning speed and laser power), Marangoni effect, and solid–liquid phase transition. Utilizing this model and by altering cladding parameters, the temperature field and the variation in coating thickness along various scanning trajectories were studied as well as the interaction between the two. The following discoveries were made. Variations in scanning trajectories lead to differences in the coating thickness of curved surface laser cladding. Regardless of the combination of cladding parameters, the coating thickness of scanning from top to bottom is always less than that from bottom to top, with a difference of approximately 0.05 mm. The temperature field and coating thickness influence each other. The Marangoni effect induced by the temperature field is the primary cause of coating thickness growth, while the coating thickness affects thermal transfer from the thermal source, ultimately influencing the temperature field. Employing a greater laser power or a slower scanning speed, or a combination of greater laser power and slower scanning speed, can increase the coating thickness and its maximum temperature in curved surface laser cladding. The model, when contrasted with experimental data, exhibits a comprehensive discrepancy of 3.49%, signifying its high precision and practical engineering applicability.