This paper presents an experimental study carried out on Nimonic 263 alloy sheets to determine the optimal combination of laser cutting control factors (assisted gas pressure, beam focus position, laser power, and cutting speed), with respect to multiple characteristics of the cut area. With the aim of designing laser cutting parameters that satisfy the specifications of multiple responses, an advanced multiresponse optimization methodology was used. After the processing of experimental data to develop the process measure using statistical methods, the functional relationship between cutting parameters and the process measure was determined by artificial neural networks (ANNs). Using the trained ANN model, particle swarm optimization (PSO) was employed to find the optimal values of laser cutting parameters. Since the effectiveness of PSO could be affected by its parameter tuning, the settings of PSO algorithm-specific parameters were analyzed in detail. The optimal laser cutting parameters proposed by PSO were implemented in the validation run, showing the superior cut characteristics produced by the optimized parameters and proving the efficacy of the suggested approach in practice. In particular, it is demonstrated that the quality of the Nimonic 263 cut area and the microstructure were significantly improved, as well as the mechanical characteristics.

The paper presents a study on the surface modifications of nickel based superalloy Nimonic 263 induced by laser shock peening (LSP) process. The process was performed by Nd³⁺:Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (YAG) picosecond laser using the following parameters: pulse duration 170 ps; repetition rate 10 Hz; pulse numbers of 50, 100 and 200; and wavelength of 1064 nm (with pulse energy of 2 mJ, 10 mJ and 15 mJ) and 532 nm (with pulse energy of 25 mJ, 30 mJ and 35 mJ). The following response characteristics were analyzed: modified surface areas obtained by the laser/material interaction were observed by scanning electron microscopy; elemental composition of the modified surface was evaluated by energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS); and Vickers microhardness tests were performed. LSP processing at both 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths improved the surface structure and microhardness of a material. Surface morphology changes of the irradiated samples were determined and surface roughness was calculated. These investigations are intended to contribute to the study on the level of microstructure and mechanical properties improvements due to LSP process that operate in a picosecond regime. In particular, the effects of laser wavelength on the microstructural and mechanical changes of a material are studied in detail.

In this experimental study, picosecond laser treatment was performed on a nickel-based superalloy Nimonic 263, aiming to investigate the surface effects induced by irradiation in different atmospheric conditions and, concerning changes in surface composition, regarding the possibility for improvement of its functionality. Besides the varying laser parameters, such as a number of pulses and pulse energy, environmental conditions are also varied. All surface modifications were carried out in standard laboratory conditions and a nitrogen- and argon-rich atmosphere. The resulting topography effects depend on the specific laser treatment and could be categorized as increased roughness, crater formation, and formation of the laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). Changes in the chemical surface composition are distinguished as the potential formation of the protective oxides/nitrides on the sample surface. Numerous characterization techniques analyse the resulting effects on the topography and surface parameters. The multi-response parametric optimization of the picosecond laser process was performed using an advanced statistical method based on Taguchi’s robust parameter design. Finally, the optimal parameter conditions for Nimonic 263 modification are suggested.

Gas rectification columns are process apparatuses which are very important part of each onshore plant. Sudden failure of these types of columns causes huge daily losses, while fluid leakage can be very dangerous for the people and hazardous for the environment. For that reason, a regular and correct examination of the column is of great importance for the continual process of leading. Together with the detailed examination of the column, a risk-based inspection was applied to maximize savings, both material, time, and costs. The expected remaining service life of rectification columns was also analyzed, while the corrosion rates were calculated according to the various international standards. The minimum required column wall thickness was calculated according to the most commonly used international standard and the obtained difference was analyzed. Detailed analysis of the total risks of the column due to potential failure is presented.