An Analytical Theory of the Creep Deformation of Materials

Abstract

Abstract This paper reports on the formulation of an analytical theory of creep. This theory is proposed for an idealized material and may be applied to those materials whose behavior conforms to that of this ideal material. The theory takes into account the initial elastic strain, the transient creep strain, and the minimum rate creep strain. Unlike previous theories, this theory is capable of representing the simultaneous action of creep and creep recovery and may be used for conditions of varying as well as constant stresses. In this respect the theory is more general than those presented in the past. The new theory is of particular importance in the design of many new military and domestic applications where high temperatures over short periods of time make the initial short-time creep strains of importance.