Multi-Layer Cold Spray Coating: Strain Distribution

Abstract

In this paper, we report the effect of multi-layer cold spray deposition on the residual stress formation in the coating and substrate. A method is proposed to separately measure the thermal and mechanical residual stresses induced in cold spray coating. Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors were employed for in situ monitoring of the strain evolution during the cold spray of multi-layer coating Al7075-Zn on AZ31B Magnesium substrates. Utilizing the capability of the FBG sensors in recording both thermal and mechanical strain gradients, first the effect of temperature on the substrate was investigated when the sample was only treated under carrier gas temperature. Then, the sensors were employed to evaluate the mechanical strain behavior of substrate during the coating process and cooling. Therefore, the effect of thermal mismatch on inducing mechanical strains was observable during the process. Finally, the interaction between the peening process of cold spray and thermal mismatch after cooling was studied. It is shown that the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) plays a critical role in residual stress development in the substrate and consequently affects the mechanical properties of the coated sample. Hence, careful selection of layers in multilayer deposition can provide desired residual stress in the coating and substrate.