Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are functional coatings used to protect hot-end components, but they are prone to advanced damage and premature failure under the effect of complex working conditions. With yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) double-layer thermal barrier coating system as an example, the evolution of structure and performance during its service process is described, the failure mechanism is analyzed, the life prediction model is summarized and the relevant simulation techniques are introduced.