In this paper, the mechanical properties of plasma-sprayed coatings are evaluated using
the technology of nanoindentation. According to the indentation curve (load versus
indenter’s displacement), which is recorded in an indentation experiment, the mechanical
behaviour of the plasma-sprayed coating is investigated via inverse analysis using
numerical optimization algorithms. The tip rounding of imperfect indenter is investigated
in parameter identification. Subsequently, the hardness on the top surface and on the
vertical cross section of the plasma-sprayed coating are investigated. The results show
that the hardness on the top surface of the coating depends on the indentation depth.
Moreover, the results show that the hardness on the cross section of the coating is
significantly affected by the substrate if the indentation impression is too close to the
coating-substrate interface.