Three-dimensional elastic deformation of a functionally graded coating/substrate system

The concept of functionally graded material (FGM) is actively explored in coating design for the purpose of eliminating the mismatch of material properties at the coating/substrate interface, typical for conventional coatings, which can lead to cracking, debonding and eventual functional failure of the coating. In this paper, an FGM coating/substrate system of finite thickness subjected to transverse loading is analysed within the context of three-dimensional elasticity theory. The Young’s modulus of the coating is assumed to vary exponentially through the thickness, and the Poisson’s ratio is assumed to be constant. A comparative study of FGM versus homogeneous coating is conducted, and the dependence of stress and displacement fields in the coating substrate/system on the type of coating, geometry and loading is examined and discussed.