Abstract:We study the process of a laser-supported combustion wave (LSCW) when an aluminum alloy is irradiated by a millisecond pulse laser based on the method of laser shadowgraphy. Under the condition of different laser parameters, the obtained results include the velocity, ignition threshold of LSCW and the variation law. The speed of LSCW increases with the laser energy under the same irradiation laser pulse width, and the speed of LSCW reduces with the increase of the laser pulse width under the same irradiation laser energy. Moreover, the ignition time of LSCW becomes shorter by increasing the laser number of the pulse and is not effected by changing the frequencies, when keeping the laser pulse width and energy unchanged. The results of the study can be applied in the laser propulsion technology and metal surface laser heat treatment, etc.