A new model-based creep equation for dispersion strengthened materials

The strongly stress-sensitive and temperature-dependent creep behaviour of dispersion strengthened materials cannot be described satisfactorily by current creep laws. In this paper a new creep equation is developed which considers as the rate-controlling event the thermally activated detachment of dislocations from dispersoid particles exerting an attractive force. The approach is motivated by recent TEM observations and theoretical calculations which strongly suggest that the "classical" view, according to which particles merely force dislocations to climb around them, is inadequate. The creep equation is applied to a dispersion-strengthened superalloy, two aluminium alloys and bubble-strengthened tungsten. Practical conclusions, regarding the optimum dispersoid size and alloy development, are drawn