Hybrid microstructural finite element modeling for intergranular fracture in ceramic composites and coated systems

The paper presents the study of the effects of the residual stresses and gradient mechanical properties on the near-surface stress field arising in contact problems, considering the intergranular fracture nucleation and propagation phenomena. Relevant fracture patterns are obtained allowing comparisons between the performances of different gradient ceramic structures. Moreover the microstructural cracking of hard ceramic coatings on elastic-plastic substrates has been simulated.