[editor-surveyor]

.
So far, as far as I know nobody but you has said anything about how long it took to melt the wheel.

I don’t tangle with other people’s assumptions.

[palmer]

So far, as far as I know nobody but you has said anything about how long it took to melt the wheel.

1. A rim is 8 kg.
2. Takes 321 kJ per kg to melt aluminum: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/latent-heat-melting-solids-d_96.html
3. 2500 kJ for one second requires 2.5MW
4. Laser generation losses means that probably has to be doubled
5. A 2.5 MW generator weighs 50 tons

Any of these you disagree with? If #2, then please provide an alternative source. I know why nobody mentions it.