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Creep Equations

3.17. Creep Equations

The creep strain rate, , can be a function of stress, strain, temperature, and neutron flux level. Libraries of
creep strain rate equations are included under the Implicit Creep Equations and Explicit Creep Equations
sections. Enter the constants shown in these equations using TB,CREEP and TBDATA as described below.
These equations (expressed in incremental form) are characteristic of materials being used in creep design
applications (see the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference for details).

For a list of the elements that support creep behavior, see "Element Support for Material Models".

Three types of creep equations are available:

Primary creep

Secondary creep

Irradiation induced creep

You can define the combined effects of more than one type of creep using the implicit equations specified by
TBOPT = 11 or 12, the explicit equations, or a user-defined creep equation.

The program analyzes creep using the implicit and the explicit time-integration method. The implicit method
is robust, fast, accurate, and recommended for general use, especially with problems involving large creep
strain and large deformation. It has provisions for including temperature-dependent constants. The program
can model pure creep, creep with isotropic hardening plasticity, and creep with kinematic hardening
plasticity, using both von Mises and Hill potentials. See Material Model Combinations for further
information. Since the creep and plasticity are modeled simultaneously (no superposition), the implicit
method is more accurate and efficient than the explicit method. Temperature dependency can also be
incorporated by the Arrhenius function (see the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference for details).

The explicit method is useful for cases involving very small time steps, such as in transient analyses. There
are no provisions for temperature-dependent constants, nor simultaneous modeling of creep with any other
material models such as plasticity. However, there is temperature dependency using the Arrhenius function,
and you can combine explicit creep with other plasticity options using non-simultaneous modeling
(superposition). In these cases, the program first performs the plastic analysis, then the creep calculation.

The terms implicit and explicit, as applied to creep, have no relationship to “explicit dynamics,” or any
elements referred to as “explicit elements.”

3.17.1. Implicit Creep Equations

Enter an implicit creep equation using TBOPT within the TB command. Enter the value of TBOPT
corresponding to the equation, as shown in Table 3.2: Implicit Creep Equations.

Table 3.2 Implicit Creep Equations

Creep Model
Name Equation Type
(TBOPT)
1 Strain Hardening C1>0 Primary

2 Time Hardening C1>0 Primary

Generalized C1>0,
3 , Primary
Exponential C5>0

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Creep Model
Name Equation Type
(TBOPT)
Generalized C1>0
4 Primary
Graham
C1>0,
Generalized C3>0, Primary
5
Blackburn
C6>0
Modified Time C1>0
6 Primary
Hardening
Modified Strain C1>0
7 Primary
Hardening
Generalized C1>0
8 Secondary
Garofalo
9 Exponential form C1>0 Secondary

10 Norton C1>0 Secondary

Combined Time C1>0, Primary +

11
Hardening C5>0 Secondary

Rational C2>0 Primary +

12
polynomial Secondary

Generalized
13 Primary
Time Hardening

100 --- User Creep --- ---

where:

εcr = equivalent creep strain

= change in equivalent creep strain with respect to time

σ = equivalent stress
T = temperature (absolute). The offset temperature (from TOFFST), is internally added to all temperatures
for convenience.
C1 through C12 = constants defined by the TBDATA command
t = time at end of substep
e = natural logarithm base

You can define the user creep option by setting TBOPT = 100, and using TB,STATE to specify the number of
state variables for the user creep subroutine. See the Guide to ANSYS User Programmable Features for more
information. The RATE command is necessary to activate implicit creep for specific elements (see the
RATE command description for details). The RATE command has no effect for explicit creep.

For temperature-dependent constants, define the temperature using TBTEMP for each set of data. Then,
define constants C1 through Cm using TBDATA (where m is the number of constants, and depends on the
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creep model you choose).

The following example shows how you would define the implicit creep model represented by TBOPT = 1 at
two temperature points.

TB,CREEP,1,,,1 !Activate creep data table, specify creep model 1

TBTEMP,100 !Define first temperature
TBDATA,1,c11,c12,c13,c14 !Creep constants c11, c12, c13, c14 at first temp.
TBTEMP,200 !Define second temperature
TBDATA,1,c21,c22,c23,c24 !Creep constants c21, c22, c23, c24 at second temp.

Coefficients are linearly interpolated for temperatures that fall between user defined TBTEMP values. For
some creep models, where the change in coefficients spans several orders of magnitude, this linear
interpolation might introduce inaccuracies in solution results. Use enough curves to accurately capture the
temperature dependency. Also, consider using the curve fitting subroutine to calculate a temperature
dependent coefficient that includes the Arrhenius term.

When a temperature is outside the range of defined temperature values, the program uses the coefficients
defined for the constant temperature.

For a list of elements that can be used with this material option, see "Element Support for Material Models".

See Creep in the Structural Analysis Guide for more information on this material option.

3.17.2. Explicit Creep Equations

Enter an explicit creep equation by setting TBOPT = 0 (or leaving it blank) within the TB command, then
specifying the constants associated with the creep equations using the TBDATA command.

Specify primary creep with constant C6. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 0, through Primary
Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 100, show the available equations. You select an equation with the
appropriate value of C6 (0 to 15). If C1 0, or if T + Toffset 0, no primary creep is computed.

Specify secondary creep with constant C12. Secondary Explicit Creep Equation for C12 = 0 and Secondary
Explicit Creep Equation for C12 = 1 show the available equations. You select an equation with the
appropriate value of C12 (0 or 1). If C7 0, or if T + Toffset 0, no secondary creep is computed. Also,
primary creep equations C6 = 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 15 bypass any secondary creep equations since secondary
effects are included in the primary part.

Specify irradiation induced creep with constant C66. Irradiation Induced Explicit Creep Equation for C66 = 5
shows the single equation currently available; select it with C66 = 5. This equation can be used in
conjunction with equations C6 = 0 to 11. The constants should be entered into the data table as indicated by
their subscripts. If C55 0 and C61 0, or if T + Toffset 0, no irradiation induced creep is computed.

A linear stepping function is used to calculate the change in the creep strain within a time step (Δ εcr = ( )
(Δt)). The creep strain rate is evaluated at the condition corresponding to the beginning of the time interval
and is assumed to remain constant over the time interval. If the time step is less than 1.0e-6, then no creep
strain increment is computed. Primary equivalent stresses and strains are used to evaluate the creep strain
rate. For highly nonlinear creep strain vs. time curves, use a small time step if you are using the explicit
creep algorithm. A creep time step optimization procedure is available for automatically increasing the time
step whenever possible. A nonlinear stepping function (based on an exponential decay) is also available (C11
= 1) but should be used with caution since it can underestimate the total creep strain where primary stresses
dominate. This function is available only for creep equations C6 = 0, 1 and 2. Temperatures used in the creep
equations should be based on an absolute scale (TOFFST).

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Use the BF or BFE commands to enter temperature and fluence values. The input fluence (Φt) includes the
integrated effect of time and time explicitly input is not used in the fluence calculation. Also, for the usual
case of a constant flux (Φ), the fluence should be linearly ramp changed.

Temperature dependent creep constants are not permitted for explicit creep. You can incorporate other creep
options by setting C6 = 100. See the Guide to ANSYS User Programmable Features for more information.

The following example shows how you would use the explicit creep equation defined by C6 = 1.

TB,CREEP,1 !Activate creep data table

TBDATA,1,c1,c2,c3,c4,,1 !Creep constants c1, c2, c3, c4 for equation C6=1

The explicit creep constants that you enter with the TBDATA are:

Constant Meaning
C1-CN Constants C1, C2, C3, etc. (as defined in Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6
= 0 to Irradiation Induced Explicit Creep Equation for C66 = 5) These are
obtained by curve fitting test results for your material to the equation you choose.
Exceptions are defined below.

3.17.2.1. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 0

where:

= change in equivalent strain with respect to time

σ = equivalent stress
T = temperature (absolute). The offset temperature (from TOFFST) is internally added to all temperatures
for convenience.
t = time at end of substep
e = natural logarithm base

3.17.2.2. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 1

3.17.2.3. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 2

where:

3.17.2.4. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 9

Annealed 304 Stainless Steel:

3.17.2.4.1. Double Exponential Creep Equation (C4 = 0)

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To use the following Double Exponential creep equation to calculate

where:

εx = 0 for σ C2
εx = G + H σ for C2 < σ C3
C2 = 6000 psi (default), C3 = 25000 psi (default)

s, r, , G, and H = functions of temperature and stress as described in the reference.

This double exponential equation is valid for Annealed 304 Stainless Steel over a temperature range from
800 to 1100°F. The equation, known as the Blackburn creep equation when C1 = 1, is described completely
in the High Alloy Steels. The first two terms describe the primary creep strain and the last term describes the
secondary creep strain.

To use this equation, input a nonzero value for C1, C6 = 9.0, and C7 = 0.0. Temperatures should be in °R (or
°F with Toffset = 460.0). Conversion to °K for the built-in property tables is done internally. If the
temperature is below the valid range, no creep is computed. Time should be in hours and stress in psi. The
valid stress range is 6,000 - 25,000 psi.

3.17.2.4.2. Rational Polynomial Creep Equation with Metric Units (C4 = 1)

To use the following standard Rational Polynomial creep equation (with metric units) to calculate εc, enter
C4 = 1.0:

where:

c = limiting value of primary creep strain

p = primary creep time factor
= secondary (minimum) creep strain rate

This standard rational polynomial creep equation is valid for Annealed 304 SS over a temperature range from
427°C to 704°C. The equation is described completely in the High Alloy Steels. The first term describes the
primary creep strain. The last term describes the secondary creep strain. The average "lot constant" is used to
calculate .

To use this equation, input C1 = 1.0, C4 = 1.0, C6 = 9.0, and C7 = 0.0. Temperature must be in °C and Toffset
must be 273 (because of the built-in property tables). If the temperature is below the valid range, no creep is
computed. Also, time must be in hours and stress in Megapascals (MPa).

Various hardening rules governing the rate of change of creep strain during load reversal may be selected
with the C5 value: 0.0 - time hardening, 1.0 - total creep strain hardening, 2.0 - primary creep strain
hardening. These options are available only with the standard rational polynomial creep equation.

3.17.2.4.3. Rational Polynomial Creep Equation with English Units (C4 = 2)

To use the above standard Rational Polynomial creep equation (with English units), enter C4 = 2.0.

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This standard rational polynomial equation is the same as described above except that temperature must be in
°F, Toffset must be 460, and stress must be in psi. The equivalent valid temperature range is 800 - 1300°F.

3.17.2.5. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 10

Annealed 316 Stainless Steel:

3.17.2.5.1. Double Exponential Creep Equation (C4 = 0)

To use the same form of the Double Exponential creep equation as described for Annealed 304 SS (C6 = 9.0,
C4 = 0.0) in Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 9 to calculate εc, enter C4 = 0.0.

This equation, also described in High Alloy Steels, differs from the Annealed 304 SS equation in that the
built-in property tables are for Annealed 316 SS, the valid stress range is 4000 - 30,000 psi, C2 defaults to
4000 psi, C3 defaults to 30,000 psi, and the equation is called with C6 = 10.0 instead of C6 = 9.0.

3.17.2.5.2. Rational Polynomial Creep Equation with Metric Units (C4 = 1)

To use the same form of the standard Rational Polynomial creep equation with metric units as described for
Annealed 304 SS (C6 = 9.0, C4 = 1.0) in Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 9, enter C4 = 1.0.

This standard rational polynomial equation, also described in High Alloy Steels, differs from the Annealed
304 SS equation in that the built-in property tables are for Annealed 316 SS, the valid temperature range is
482 - 704°C, and the equation is called with C6 = 10.0 instead of C6 = 9.0. The hardening rules for load
reversal described for the C6 = 9.0 standard Rational Polynomial creep equation are also available. The
average "lot constant" from High Alloy Steels is used in the calculation of .

3.17.2.5.3. Rational Polynomial Creep Equation with English Units (C4 = 2)

To use the previous standard Rational Polynomial creep equation with English units, enter C4 = 2.0.

This standard rational polynomial equation is the same as described above except that the temperatures must
be in °F, Toffset must be 460, and the stress must be in psi (with a valid range from 0.0 to 24220 psi). The
equivalent valid temperature range is 900 - 1300°F.

3.17.2.6. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 11

Annealed 2 1/4 Cr - 1 Mo Low Alloy Steel:

3.17.2.6.1. Modified Rational Polynomial Creep Equation (C4 = 0)

To use the following Modified Rational Polynomial creep equation to calculate εc, enter C4 = 0.0:

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A, B, and are functions of temperature and stress as described in the reference.

This modified rational polynomial equation is valid for Annealed 2 1/4 Cr -1 Mo Low Alloy steel over a
temperature range of 700 - 1100°F. The equation is described completely in the Low Alloy Steels. The first
term describes the primary creep strain and the last term describes the secondary creep strain. No
modification is made for plastic strains.

To use this equation, input C1 = 1.0, C6 = 11.0, and C7 = 0.0. Temperatures must be in °R (or °F with Toffset
= 460.0). Conversion to °K for the built-in property tables is done internally. If the temperature is below the
valid range, no creep is computed. Time should be in hours and stress in psi. Valid stress range is 1000 -
65,000 psi.

3.17.2.6.2. Rational Polynomial Creep Equation with Metric Units (C4 = 1)

To use the following standard Rational Polynomial creep equation (with metric units) to calculate εc, enter
C4 = 1.0:

where:

c = limiting value of primary creep strain

p = primary creep time factor
= secondary (minimum) creep strain rate

This standard rational polynomial creep equation is valid for Annealed 2 1/4 Cr - 1 Mo Low Alloy Steel over
a temperature range from 371°C to 593°C. The equation is described completely in the Low Alloy Steels.
The first term describes the primary creep strain and the last term describes the secondary creep strain. No
tertiary creep strain is calculated. Only Type I (and not Type II) creep is supported. No modification is made
for plastic strains.

To use this equation, input C1 = 1.0, C4 = 1.0, C6 = 11.0, and C7 = 0.0. Temperatures must be in °C and
Toffset must be 273 (because of the built-in property tables). If the temperature is below the valid range, no
creep is computed. Also, time must be in hours and stress in Megapascals (MPa). The hardening rules for
load reversal described for the C6 = 9.0 standard Rational Polynomial creep equation are also available.

3.17.2.6.3. Rational Polynomial Creep Equation with English Units (C4 = 2)

To use the above standard Rational Polynomial creep equation with English units, enter C4 = 2.0.

This standard rational polynomial equation is the same as described above except that temperatures must be
in °F, Toffset must be 460, and stress must be in psi. The equivalent valid temperature range is 700 - 1100°F.

3.17.2.7. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 12

where:

C1 = Scaling constant
M, N, K = Function of temperature (determined by linear interpolation within table) as follows:
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Constant Meaning
C5 Number of temperature values to describe M, N, or K function (2
minimum, 6 maximum)
C49 First absolute temperature value
C50 Second absolute temperature value
...
C48 + C5 C5th absolute temperature value
C48 + C5 + 1 First M value
...
C48 + 2C5 C5th M value
C48 + 2C5 C5th M value
...
C48 + 2C5 C5th M value
C48 + 2C5 + 1 First N value
...
C48 + 3C5 C5th N value
C48 + 3C5 + 1 First K value
...

This power function creep law having temperature dependent coefficients is similar to Equation C6 = 1.0
except with C1 = f1(T), C2 = f2(T), C3 = f3(T), and C4 = 0. Temperatures must not be input in decreasing
order.

3.17.2.8. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 Equals 13

Sterling Power Function:

where:

εacc = creep strain accumulated to this time (calculated by the program). Internally set to 1 x 10-5 at the first
substep with nonzero time to prevent division by zero.
A = C1/T
B = C2/T + C3
C = C4/T + C5

This equation is often referred to as the Sterling Power Function creep equation. Constant C7 should be 0.0.
Constant C1 should not be 0.0, unless no creep is to be calculated.

3.17.2.9. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 14

where:

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εc = cpt/(1+pt) +
ln c = -1.350 - 5620/T - 50.6 x 10-6 σ + 1.918 ln (σ/1000)
ln p = 31.0 - 67310/T + 330.6 x 10-6 σ - 1885.0 x 10-12 σ2
ln = 43.69 - 106400/T + 294.0 x 10-6 σ + 2.596 ln (σ/1000)

This creep law is valid for Annealed 316 SS over a temperature range from 800°F to 1300°F. The equation is
similar to that given for C6 = 10.0 and is also described in High Alloy Steels.

To use equation, input C1 = 1.0 and C6 = 14.0. Temperatures should be in °R (or °F with Toffset = 460). Time
should be in hours. Constants are only valid for English units (pounds and inches). Valid temperature range:
800° - 1300°F. Maximum stress allowed for ec calculation: 45,000 psi; minimum stress: 0.0 psi. If T + Toffset
< 1160, no creep is computed.

3.17.2.10. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 15

General Material Rational Polynomial:

where:

This rational polynomial creep equation is a generalized form of the standard rational polynomial equations
given as C6 = 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0 (C4 = 1.0 and 2.0). This equation reduces to the standard equations for
isothermal cases. The hardening rules for load reversal described for the C6 = 9.0 standard Rational
Polynomial creep equation are also available.

3.17.2.11. Primary Explicit Creep Equation for C6 = 100

A user-defined creep equation is used. See the Guide to ANSYS User Programmable Features for more
information.

3.17.2.12. Secondary Explicit Creep Equation for C12 = 0

where:

σ = equivalent stress
T = temperature (absolute). The offset temperature (from TOFFST), is internally added to all temperatures
for convenience.
t = time
e = natural logarithm base
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3.17.2.13. Secondary Explicit Creep Equation for C12 = 1

3.17.2.14. Irradiation Induced Explicit Creep Equation for C66 = 5

where:

B = FG + C63

σ = equivalent stress
T = temperature (absolute). The offset temperature (from TOFFST) is internally added to all temperatures
for convenience.
Φt0.5 = neutron fluence (input on BF or BFE command)
e = natural logarithm base
t = time

This irradiation induced creep equation is valid for 20% Cold Worked 316 SS over a temperature range from
700° to 1300°F. Constants 56, 57, 58 and 62 must be positive if the B term is included.

See Creep in the Structural Analysis Guide for more information on this material option.

Release 14.0 - © 2011 SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved.

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