The goal of this project is to develop a design methodology for selection and processing of application specific wear resistant coatings. Finite element modeling of the contact mechanics of nano-structured multi-layer films on compliant substrates will be used in combination with experimental studies to develop specific control techniques. These will allow deposition of strongly adherent hard coatings with properties that are specific to selected applications. The control techniques will be based on the physical quantities that control coating chemistry and microstructure, such as ion and atom fluxes and substrate temperature, combined with real-time in situ process monitoring and coating analysis. Initial work will focus on CrN based multi-layers for hard chrome replacement. Later, ternary transition metal nitrides and tailored multi-layer and graded-layer nano-structured coatings will be studied. ***
