Three-dimensional vertical cracks in coated specimens under sliding contact load with a spherical indenter: A numerical study using boundary element modelling

Using boundary elements based on the three-dimensional modelling for linear fracture mechanics, we present an analysis of cracking in a coated specimen subject to contact load. The initial cracks are assumed to lie entirely within the film or the substrate. It is shown that the most probable direction of propagation of a vertical internal crack of fixed size is strongly dependent on its location with respect to the axis of maximum normal load and the free surface.