Contact mechanics of coating-substrate systems: Monolayer and multilayer coatings

The paper presents issues related to contact mechanics of coating-substrate systems and problems with analysis of their mechanical properties. The author's model of deformations of such systems based on a complex analysis of nanoindentation tests and FEM modeling is also presented. This model allows identification of the areas submitted to the highest stress concentration with their quantitative analysis. Studies were carried out on TiN monolayer and Ti/TiN multilayers deposited on steel substrates. For multilayers the impact of soft Ti layers on coating fracture was investigated.