The oxide spallation resistance of oxide scales and ceramic thermal barrier coatings is a key design factor for developing high-temperature alloy systems. Determination of the lifetimes of such alloy and coating systems is highly desirable. However, as improved systems are developed, lifetimes become so long that the time required to test a system to failure becomes prohibitive. Therefore, reliable protocols for accelerated testing and lifetime prediction are needed. This paper describes two attempts at developing such protocols. The first involves modification of the NASA COSP model to predict cyclic oxidation behaviour of alloys and metallic coatings and the incorporation of acoustic emission data. The second involves use of an indentation technique to induce spalling of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) after short-term thermal exposure.
