Symmetrization of contact stresses in coating under frictional sliding indentation

Frictional contact problem of a layer-substrate structure is an important topic in coating optimization design. The present work carries out a comprehensive analysis on the coupling effect of coefficient of friction, Poisson’s ratio, and layer thickness on contact stresses distribution. A physical property namely full decoupling under interaction between material and geometric couplings is explicitly observed. Eccentricity in contact could be virtually diminished, and symmetrization on contact pressure of non-Hertzian type is presented at a specific Poisson’s ratio. Additionally, position of tensile peak within in-plane surface stress could not be affected by friction under the full decoupling effect.HIGHLIGHTSCoupling effects of Poisson’s ratio, friction coefficient, and layer thickness on eccentric contact involving soft bonded coating are studied systematically.A physical property namely full normal-tangential decoupling at a specific Poisson’s ratio in thin coating is explicitly observed and analyzed comprehensively.The tensile peak of in-plane stress as a crack initiator at the coating surface is studied under the full decoupling effect mentioned above.