Coatings and thin films are capable of providing considerable savings over the use of bulk materials and have been the subject of extensive research effort over the last few decades. In an attempt to understand and utilise the mechanisms governing their deformation and failure, and controlling their in-service performance, this study describes the development of modelling tools capable of assessing whether a coating is likely to have the desired characteristics, in order to enhance performance, extend the components life, or to reduce cost; or conversely, to predict a more appropriate...