ANALYSIS OF THE IMPRESSION CREEP TEST METHOD USING A RECTANGULAR INDENTER FOR DETERMINING THE CREEP-PROPERTIES IN WELDS

The results of a theoretical and finite element investigation of an im pression creep test method using a long rectangular indenter under pla ne strain conditions, rather than the conventional cylindrical indente r, are presented. The application of the technique for determining the creep properties of the various zones within welds is considered. The finite element method is used to obtain accurate (creep) or approxima te (elasto-plastic limit load) reference stress solutions for the rect angular indenters placed at several positions in the base material, he ar affected zone and weld metal. The effect of varying the geometric t est parameters is reported. The possible advantages of the technique f or determining some of the important creep properties in welded struct ures are identified. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.