Fragmentation of corrosion protection coatings: a combined finite-element discrete-element study

Iron carbonate scales form compact corrosion protection layers on the internal surfaces of pipelines transporting hydrocarbons. Scales can be removed by the action of the fluid flow and by other mechanisms with the consequent development of severe localized damages. A key safety role is therefore played by the adhesion to the metal substrate, which may be identified through indentation tests supplemented by simulation models of the experiment. Eventually, indentation induces the fragmentation of the coating, a phenomenon rather difficult to be reproduced. Some computational issues relevant to the use, in this context, of finite element and discrete element techniques are discussed in this contribution.