Analysis of structures based on a characteristic-strain model of creep

A companion paper [Bolton J. In: A characteristic-strain model for creep, ECCC/I.Mech.E. conference on creep and fracture in high-temperature components, London, September 2005] describes a creep model based on a constant 'characteristic strain' at any temperature. The present paper discusses the application of such a model, first to simple structures and then to engineering components of general form under steady loading. A basis is proposed for identifying the stress within a structure, or within the critical part of a structure, which can be considered to govern both its overall and local deformations. The concept is similar to skeletal-point stress but is more readily applied to components of any shape. The implementation of the concept of 'structural stress' is discussed in the context of finite-element creep calculations. Consideration is given to the analysis of cracked structures, where very high strains at the crack tip must be accommodated