Stress Rupture
Creep under load is the slow, continuous deformation of metals at high temperatures and mechanical stress. Creep resistance is influenced by heat treatments.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
Creep under load is the slow, continuous deformation of metals at high temperatures and mechanical stress. It occurs due to dislocation movements in the crystal lattice cells. These movements are caused by the attractive forces between atoms and molecules.
Metallurgical Relevance & Risks in Welding
Creep under load can lead to long-term deformations and deterioration of mechanical properties. It is especially dangerous at high temperatures and with materials having low creep resistance. Incorrect heat treatments can reduce creep resistance, leading to cracks and deformations.
Workshop Practice & Action Guidelines
To minimize creep under load, it is important to precisely control welding temperatures and times. At high temperatures, careful heat treatment should be performed to increase creep resistance. For creep-sensitive materials, use special welding processes and keep the load at a minimum.