Phase Field Modeling of Chemical Reaction Related Damage Evolution in Environmental Barrier Coatings
The advent of next-generation engines necessitates materials capable of withstanding temperatures beyond the reach of current superalloys. SiC-based ceramic matrix composites, augmented with environmental barrier coatings (EBCs), present a promising materials solution. Given the active search for effective and durable EBCs, there is a pressing need for modeling tools to understand and predict damage evolution in these materials to help accelerate their development. This study introduces a phase-field model (PFM) designed to simulate the thermally grown oxides (TGO) and phase transformation in the degradation and failure of EBCs. The model accounts for the severe volume expansion due to oxidation, alongside phase transformations and porosity evolution during thermal cycling, offering a comprehensive view of the damage processes. Simulation results are validated against experimental findings reported in the literature, establishing the model's potential as a significant tool for understanding and improving the resilience of EBCs in cyclic oxidative environments.