The effect of double layer coatings of high modulus on contact stresses

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Abstract
In an earlier paper (Van der Zwaag and Field 1982), we investigated, using finite element methods, the effect of a thin, hard coating on the stress field generated by a spherical indenter on a uniform halfspace. Of particular practical interest was the reduction in the maximum (radial) tensile stresses in the substrate solid as the modulus and thickness of the coating increased. Experimental support for the theoretical predictions was given by Van der Zwaag and Field (1983). In the present paper, the investigation is extended to examine the potential of double layer coatings of two different high modulus materials. It is shown that a suitable selection of the properties of the two layers can reduce the tensile stresses in the substrate solid compared to the values in an uncoated substrate. Two particular systems are examined in detail. Potential benefits of monolayer and multilayer coatings are discussed critically. The results have application to a range of practical problems.

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