CHAPTER 2 Mechanical Behaviour of Thermal Oxide Scales on Stainless Steels

Abstract

The mechanical behaviour and adhesion properties of thermal oxide scales are key issues for steel processing and long-term durability. This chapter aims at taking up the various aspects to be considered for such studies. The first part is devoted to a description of the origin of stress and stress quantification. Then, description of mechanical failure and damaging patterns of thermal oxide scales will be given. Finally, definitions of adhesion energy as well as quantitative methods to measure adhesion energy will be proposed. An appendix describing the hypotheses and the constitutive equations for plane stress analysis, which suits to oxide scales, is also given The purpose is enriched by references in particular to Alain Galerie’s co-workers’ publications.