R. Musalek, Institute of Plasma Physics, Prague, Czech Republic; J. Matejicek, Institute of Chemical Technology, Praha, Czech Republic; M. Vilemova, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY; O. Kovárík, Czech Technical University, Praha 2, Czech Republic
 Mechanical response of plasma sprayed ceramic coatings to mechanical and
 thermal loading of various extent was studied. Coated samples were
 subjected to four-point bending, with coatings loaded in tension and
 compression, respectively. Thermal loading was provided by heating the
 samples, while stresses were generated by thermal mismatch between the
 coatings and substrates. In both cases, cyclic loading was applied.
 Non-linear behavior and significant hystereses were observed, indicating
 inelastic phenomena taking place. Mechanical tests were complemented by
 structural observations in SEM and FEM modeling of the mechanical
 properties based on real structures. Relevant structural features and
 possible mechanisms underlying this behavior are discussed.
Summary: Mechanical response of plasma sprayed ceramic coatings to mechanical and
thermal loading of various extent was studied. Experiments included four-point bending and thermal cycling; these were complemented by struictural observations and FEM modeling.
Non-linear behavior and significant hystereses were observed.