The research which aims to study the effects of surface treatments on the fatigue resistance of machine components or specimens is carried out by means of numerical models and experimental tests. Shot peening, rolling, nitriding, case hardening, thin hard coatings are the surface treatments under examination in the research project. Particular attention is paid to thin hard coatings deposited by means of the PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) technique, in order to investigate the fatigue behaviour of structural components or specimens, made of steel, aluminium or titanium alloys, after the coating deposition. The research program involves the development of experimental tests using standard specimens and real mechanical components and the development of accurate numerical FE models taking into account the surface modifications induced by the deposition process. The materials under investigation are steels and light alloys for high performance applications. Particular attention is focused on those applications where increasing the fatigue limit of mechanical components can be the driving factor for the enhancement of the performance.

The aim of the research is to evaluate if it is possible to develop mechanical components of endothermic engines using opportunely coated aluminium or titanium alloys: this would enable to increase power without increasing the fuel consumption.