Abstract: The method of laser treating Ti-6Al-4V to form surface compounds is a method of forming barrier layers on surfaces of Ti-6Al-4V workpieces. The Ti-6Al-4V workpiece is first cleaned and then a water-soluble phenolic resin is applied to at least one surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece. The Ti-6Al-4V workpiece and the layer(s) of water soluble phenolic resin are then heated to carbonize the phenolic resin, thus forming a carbon film on the at least one surface. TiC particles are then inserted into the carbon film. Following the insertion of the TiC particles, a laser beam is scanned over the at least one surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece. A stream of nitrogen gas is sprayed on the surface of the Ti-6Al-4V workpiece coaxially and simultaneously with the laser beam at a relatively high pressure, thus forming a barrier layer of TiCxN1-x, TiNx, Ti—C, and Ti2N compounds in the surface region.

Abstract: The method of nitriding nickel-cadmium-based superalloys is a method of forming a nitride barrier layer on a surface of a nickel-cadmium-based superalloy workpiece, such as an Inconel® 718 plate, using gas-assisted laser nitriding. The nickel-cadmium-based superalloy workpiece is first cleaned, both with a chemical bath and then through an ultrasonic cleaning process. Following the cleaning of the workpiece, a laser beam is scanned over a surface of the nickel-cadmium-based superalloy workpiece. A stream of nitrogen gas, which may be elemental nitrogen or nitrogen in the form of ammonia gas or the like, is sprayed on the surface of the nickel-cadmium-based superalloy workpiece coaxially and simultaneously with the laser beam to form the nitride barrier layer.

Abstract: The method of determining the elastic modulus of coatings utilizes numerical modeling and simulation methods to determine physical characteristics of coatings based upon comparisons of measured flexural characteristics with the numerical models and simulations. Particularly, the method of determining the elastic modulus of coatings utilizes a numerical modeling technique, such as the finite element method, to model vibrational frequency and amplitude variation in a substrate material with a metallic or ceramic coating.

Abstract: The method of modeling residual stresses during laser cutting utilizes thermal diffusion and stress equations and a discretization numerical method to model temperature variation and residual stresses in a substrate material due to laser cutting therethrough of small-diameter holes.

Abstract: The method of modeling phase changes due to laser pulse heating utilizes energy equations and a discretizing numerical method to model temperature variation and cavity depth in a substrate material due to laser heating. Both constant and temperature-dependent thermal properties cases are considered.

Abstract: The method of modeling flexural characteristics of a bar subjected to local heating utilizes thermal diffusion equations and the finite element method to model vibrational frequency and amplitude variation in a substrate material subjected to local heating. Both heated and non-heated cases are considered.

Abstract: The wear-resistant ceramic coating is a coating formed with a first thin film nitride layer formed by laser nitriding and a second thin film layer of titanium nitride or other ceramic material formed by physical vapor deposition. For example, the coating may be formed on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy by first directing a CO2 laser beam towards the surface of the alloy while subjecting the surface to a flow of pressurized pure nitrogen. This process results in the formation of a first nitride layer approximately 80 microns in thickness by laser melting. The first layer is polished to a smooth surface. Then a thin film (about two micrometers) of titanium nitride is applied over the first layer by physical vapor deposition, e.g., by sputtering at 260° C. Similar coatings may be applied to other titanium alloys, such as Ti-5Al-2.5Fe, or to other metals, such as high-speed steel (HSS).