Analysis of Interface Delamination of Cold Sprayed Coatings Due to Thermal Cycling

This study investigates the effect of thermal cycling on cold-spray chromium coatings deposited on steel substrates. First, equilibrium stress states are determined for different coating thicknesses. Next, the potential for crack initiation and growth is simulated based on periodic heating and cooling cycles. The corresponding crack driving forces are characterized using interface stresses and energy release rate as a function of the thermal cycles. The effects of coating thickness, embedded microcracks, and initial residual stress on the driving forces are investigated systematically to demonstrate the risk of coating fracture and delamination.