JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol.26, no.2, pp.591-599, 2012 (SCI-Expanded)
Laser straight cutting of zirconia is carried out. Temperature and stress fields developed in the cutting sections are predicted using the finite element code. The morphological changes in the cutting section are examined after incorporating the optical and scanning electron microscopes. The prediction of surface temperature is compared with its counterpart obtained from the thermocouple data. Temperature predictions agree well with the thermocouple data. The cut section is free from major cracks and dross attachment occurs at the kerf exit.