Abstract
In this present work, the development of finite element (FE) models to simulate the nanoindentation processes in various TiB₂-based nanostructured coatings was investigated. The developed nanoindentation FE models were able to simulate the indentation loading-unloading curves of the coating/substrate system. The model could also be used to extract the intrinsic values of mechanical properties, e.g. hardness and yield strength. In addition, the models were used to analyse the plastic deformation behaviour of coating-substrate systems during indentation process and investigate the effect of penetration depth on nanoindentation.

Key words
TiB₂-based nanostructured coating, nanoindentation, finite element analysis, hardness, modulus, plastic deformation

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