Finite-Difference Solution to the Problem of Temperature Distribution Under A Moving Heat Source, Using the Concept Of A Quasi-Stationary State

A method is presented in which a finite-difference model is used to predict the temperature distribution in a solid under a moving heat source. A coordinate system centered on the heat source is adopted so that the temperature field relative to the source is taken to be fully developed and static. As the method uses a nonuniform grid and allows for the variation of thermophysical properties to be specified, solutions can be determined for actual processes. Two processes are considered here: plasma arc heating in a hot machining process (where heating of the metal is carried out upstream of the cutting operation) and internal heating during chip formation in the machining.