Hi,

 I want to know what are some useful softwares in which I can simulate multilayer coatings in terms of thermal (CTE mismatch) stresses, and stresses due to contact type loading. I am looking for softwares that are easy to use by a person like me who has an experimental background, does not have exposure to using Abaqus, but can use softwares like Matlab.

 Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

Regards,

Sudhir

I recently came across this free software - OOF2 on the nist website: http://www.ctcms.nist.gov/oof/oof2/index.html I was basically looking for analyzing the effect of microstructure on the stresses in coatings, and a friend of mine mentioned this software. Since it works only on Unix or Linux (and Mac) I have not been able to install it on my PC...Have a Mac on which i will try it out soon. Will post my experience when I start using it. In the meantime wanted to know what kind of problems others tackle using this software.