Discrete Element Modeling of Impact Damage on Thermal Barrier Coatings by Peter Michel Minor A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering - Mechanical Engineering in the Graduate Division of the University of California, Berkeley Committee in charge: Professor Tarek I. Zohdi, Co-chair Professor Paul K. Wright, Co-chair Professor James W. Evans Professor David A. Dornfeld Fall 2013