Creep Failure
Creep failure is a type of material failure that occurs when a material deforms permanently under constant stress over time, especially at high temperatures. This gradual deformation can lead to significant changes in the material's shape and strength, ultimately resulting in failure. It is particularly important in engineering applications where materials are subjected to prolonged loads, such as in aerospace and power generation.
The process of creep failure typically involves three stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary creep. In the primary stage, the rate of deformation decreases over time. In the secondary stage, the rate stabilizes, while in the tertiary stage, the rate accelerates until failure occurs. Understanding creep is crucial for selecting materials in high-temperature environments to ensure safety and reliability.