A Comparative Study on Laser Cutting Performance with Varying Speeds at 10 M Underwater

Despite the dismantling structures that are submerged to significant depths of water during the decommissioning of nuclear power plants, there is limited research on deep-water laser cutting processes. A self-designed pressurized chamber was used in this study and successfully conducted the world’s first laser cutting experiment in a simulated 10 m water depth environment. laser cutting was performed in a 10 m underwater environment, and the cutting efficiency was compared to that observed in a 1 m underwater environment. Therefore, A 100 mm thickness of 304 stainless steel was successfully cut underwater, and the highest cutting speed of 100 mm/min was achieved. The result indicates that, as the cutting speed increased during underwater laser cutting, both the heat input and the mass flow rate of the assist gas decreased, resulting in a narrower rear kerf width and an ineffective evacuation of the molten metal.