Fundamental Study on Underwater Cutting of 50 mm-Thick Stainless Steel Plates Using a Fiber Laser for Nuclear Decommissioning

Abstract

With nuclear power plants worldwide approaching their design lifespans, plans for decommissioning nuclear power plants are increasing, and interest in decommissioning technology is growing. Laser cutting, which is suitable for high-speed cutting in underwater environments and is amenable to remote control and automation, has attracted considerable interest. In this study, the effects of laser cutting were analyzed with respect to relevant parameters to achieve high-quality underwater laser cutting for the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. The kerf width, drag line, and roughness of the specimens during the high-power laser cutting of 50 mm-thick stainless steel in an underwater environment were analyzed based on key parameters (focal position, laser power, and cutting speed) to determine the conditions for satisfactory cutting surface quality. The results indicated that underwater laser cutting with a speed of up to 130 mm/min was possible at a focal position of 30 mm and a laser power of 9 kW; however, the best-quality cutting surface was obtained at a cutting speed of 30 mm/min.