Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)A 3D heat transfer mathematical model based on the finite element method is applied to the laser surface remelting (LSR) process with a view to simulating temperature fields and melt pool dimensions. The theoretical predictions furnished by the model are validated against LSR experimental results from tests carried out in the present study with Al-1.5 wt%Fe alloy samples. The work also encompasses an analysis of microstructural and microhardness variations throughout the resulting treated and untreated zones. A remarkable effect of the LSR treatment on the mechanical and corrosion resistance of the treated samples is shown. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.494490497Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAEPEX-UNICAMPConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)