Creep Deformation
Creep is the long-term plastic deformation of materials under constant mechanical load at elevated temperatures. It leads to component failure.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
Creep occurs through continuous dislocation movement and diffusion of atoms within the material. These processes happen at elevated temperatures and lead to long-term deformation without visible shape change.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
Creep can happen in weld joints when they are under high stress and temperature. It leads to long-term failure of the joint and can significantly shorten the life of components. Risks are especially in high-temperature applications like aerospace.
Shop Practice & Action Instructions
To avoid creep, it's important to control operating conditions and temperatures. Use high-quality materials with low creep strength and optimize welding parameters like temperature and stress. Under high loads and temperatures, do periodic inspections to prevent early failure.