A model study of displacement instabilities during cyclic oxidation

The shape changes that occur at imperfections on the surface of an alumina-forming alloy, subject to thermal cycling, have been simulated and measured. Observations have been made by emplacing a surface groove into a FeCrAlY material. Upon thermal cycling, large shape distortions have been observed: whereas, for comparable isothermal oxidation, the shape changes are minimal. The simulations predict similar responses. Upon cycling, upward displacements (pile-up) occur around the perimeter, accompanied by downward displacements at the center. Yet, minimal displacements arise upon isothermal oxidation. To realize cyclic displacements comparable in magnitude to those found experimentally, large values of the in-plane growth strain are required and the bond coat must be relatively soft.