Strength of coatings—A new concept of mechanical evaluation on the basis of simulated fracture behavior

Mechanical properties of physically vapor deposited (PVD) CrN coatings was examined from a new aspect, where strength-related fundamental parameters were evaluated independently with the aid of numerical simulation. Films were quite brittle with an interface tougher than the films. Yield strength was also obtained. Simulation of indentation test revealed that the apparent hardness could be larger by up to 33% with the residual stress level as large as the yield strength.