Damage mechanics considerations for life extension of high-temperature components

Continuum damage theory has proven to be an effective tool in creep damage simulation. In order to establish some mechanical principles for life exten sion of components at elevated temperature, a numerical scheme based on the localized creep damage theory is introduced. To illustrate the strength po tential of structures for life extension, the method is first applied to a simple case of two-bar structure. Typical components of geometrical discont inuity, material discontinuity, and temperature inhomogenity are then analy zed. In terms of the damage distribution of life exhaustion of the componen ts, some principles for life extension are proposed. [S0094-9930(00)00202-X ].