Contact analysis of thin films bonded to graded coatings

► Stiffness ratio of the graded coating and the film are main mechanical variables. ► Aspect ratio of the film and film length to the coating thickness are parameters. ► Softening coating helps to lower the interfacial shear stress. ► Singular integral approach and finite element method are utilized. ► Stiffening coatings are more resistive to the shear loading