Study of the Propagation of Thermal Front and Deformations in a Metal Sheet Induced by a Laser Pulse and Mechanical Shock

This paper studies the propagation of heat and thermal deformations induced by a laser pulse in a thin metal sheet made of stainless steel. The visualization of the propagation of heat and thermal deformations is carried out using a thermal imaging camera and a thermo/mechanoluminescent composite material made from a polymer and a phosphor powder and applied on the surface of the studied sheet. The heat propagation rate in the sheet is determined by the thermoluminescence of the composite layer. The deformations caused by the shock and breakdown of the sheet using a peen with a cone-shaped point are also examined by the mechanoluminescence of the composite layer applied on the sheet surface. The paper shows that the used composite material visualizes the propagation rate and distribution of temperature in the area affected by the laser pulse and mechanical stresses and deformations in the shock damage (rupture) area of a metal sheet with a high spatial and temporal resolution.