Computational design of thin-film nanocomposite coatings for optimized stress and velocity accommodation response

The tailoring of thin-film coatings comprised of high strength nano-grained constituents is investigated by new microstructurally based finite-element techniques for applications related to the wear, durability, and performance of these coatings over a broad range of temperatures and loading conditions. These coatings are comprised of brittle phases, diamond-like carbon and partially stabilized zirconia and ductile constituents, such as gold and molybdenum. The effects of wear, contact transfer films, grain sizes and distributions, grain spacing and strength are used to determine the optimal thin-film coating compositions. Comparisons are made with experimental measurements pertaining to durability and wear for validation and for the development of design guidelines for thin-film nanocomposite coatings.