Study of factors determining mesoscale behaviour under loading of coated and surface-hardened materials

A classification of the plastic deformation behavior at the mesoscale level, of coated and surface-hardened materials, is offered. The investigations were based on analysis of a large amount of experimental data obtained using the television-optical meter for surface characterization (TOMSC). The basic principles of classification suggested are the site of nucleation and the method of relaxation of mesostress concentrators, as well as the impact of the geometry and structure of the coating-substrate interface on the development of plastic flow in the composition.