Numerical investigation on the creep crack-tip constraint induced by loading configuration of specimens

In this paper, the creep crack-tip constraint induced by loading configuration of specimens is quantitatively investigated by the finite element method. The results show the creep constraint induced by the loading configuration could be characterized and analyzed by the constraint parameter R. The specimen order in terms of the creep crack-tip constraint from high to low is compact tension, single edge-notched bend, single edge-notched tensile and middle-cracked tension specimen. With increasing C∗ the constraint decreases in the specimens with different loading configurations. The effect of distances from the crack tips on the creep constraint parameter R is also analyzed.