Creep crack growth assessment in terms of continuum damage mechanics

The stress, strain rate, and process zone with respect to the creep-crack growth in compacttension C(T) specimen is analyzed by employing damage-evolution equations. The damage model for the fracture of the process zone is represented using a stress based formulation. Both damage free and defective creeping solids have been studied. The variations in the creep stress/strain and crack-tip governing parameter in terms of the creep stress intensity factors with respect to time and the evolution of creep damage are analyzed using an FE model for C(T) specimen. The creep-fatigue crack growth rate tests were performed on special designed program test-cycle. The interpretation of the experimental creep crack growth rate data was given in terms of introduced creep stress intensity factors based on undamaged and damaged stress/strain fields