A recent advance in the assessment of creep rupture data

A new procedure for the assessment of creep rupture data has been developed in the UK. The methodology features a state-of-the-art statistical treatment with independent checks on the physical realism, goodness of fit and extrapolation repeatability/stability of the model equation established to best characterise the behaviour of the material under investigation. Software provides semi-automation to allow full advantage to be taken of modern desk top computing power, but with ample provision for expert-user intervention. The paper reviews the background knowledge which underpins the new procedure and illustrates the method of implementation. © 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.