High-temperature oxidation of a zirconium cylinder in a steam atmosphere

The deformation of a solid cylinder with free ends is considered under isothermal oxidation conditions. The oxidation of the cylinder lateral surface is accompanied by the formation of stresses in the oxide (these stresses reach its ultimate compressive strength) and by the appearance of tensile stresses in the metal (these tensile stresses cause its creep). A condition of transition from the regime of protective oxidation to the regime of destructive oxidation is obtained.