The paper focuses on the development of a mathematical model connecting penetration profile of a rigid circular indenter with elastic properties of a functionally graded coating (FGC). We introduce the concept of stiffness function dependent on the radius of the contact zone for FGC coupled with a homogeneous half-space. This approach allows one to determine the properties variation across the coating. Several most typical numerical examples are discussed in detail to illustrate effect of the Young's modulus variation on the stiffness function. These examples also show that the proposed methodology allows one to identify and experimentally distinguish between different types of variation of FGC elastic properties.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract