Model for the static friction coefficient in a full stick elastic-plastic coated spherical contact

Finite element analysis is used to investigate an elastic-plastic coated spherical contact in full stick contact condition under combined normal and tangential loading. Sliding inception is associated with a loss of tangential stiffness. The effect of coating thickness on the static friction coefficient is intensively investigated for the case of hard coatings. For this case, with the increase in coating thickness, the static friction coefficient first increases to its maximum value at a certain coating thickness, thereafter decreases, and eventually levels off. The effect of the normal load and material properties on this behavior is discussed. Finally, a model for the static friction coefficient as a function of the coating thickness is provided for a wide range of material properties and normal loading.