Creep/fatigue crack growth testing standardisation assessment and validation for specimens containing weld mismatch

Testing and modelling of creep and creep/fatigue in welded components are essential tools for improving safe lifing methodologies. Key factors which determine a successful methodology for modelling failure in engineering components are good testing data and the development of appropriate and accurate correlating parameters to treat the results in a the unified and verifiable manner. This work considers the first two aspects and identifies important issues and improvements in the development and standardisation in creep and creep/fatigue crack growth testing or welds. Under the auspices of the Versailles Agreement on Materials and Standards (VAMAS) committee a Code of Practice on creep crack growth of components has been developed. The procedure identifies methods of testing for non-standard, welded feature test components in VAMAS TWA31 Technical Working Area on Creep and Creep/Fatigue Crack Growth of weldments containing residual stress. The overview highlights the important elements in these pre-standardisation collaborative efforts by presenting the methods of analyses and example of their application to standard fracture mechanics weld and feature type plate and pipe specimens.