Application of stress-relaxation testing method for evaluation of creep properties and remaining life asse-ssment of high temperature alloys

In the last two decades, the request of improved efficiency and reduced emissions in power plants has resulted in the design of the system utilizing higher steam temperatures and pressures. This shift towards more severe service conditions required the use of materials with approptiate high-temperature strength, physical properties and metallurgical stability at the operating temperature of the unit to prevent catastrophic failures by several long-term mechanisms due to creep-induced dimensional changes, bursting due to stress rupture, or thermal fatigue due to thermally-induced cyclic stresses.