Issues relating to numerical modelling of creep crack growth

In this paper creep crack growth behaviour of P92 welds at 923 K are presented. Creep crack growth behaviour for P92 welds are discussed with C* parameter. Creep crack growth behaviour of P92 welds has been compared with that of P91 welds with C* parameter. NSW and NSW-MOD model were compared with the experimental creep crack growth data. Plane strain NSW model significantly overestimates the crack growth rate, and plane stress NSW model underestimates it. Whilst, NSW-MOD model for plane stress and plane strain conditions gives lower and upper bound of the experimental data, respectively. FE analysis of creep crack growth has been conducted. Constrain effect for welded joints has been examined with C* line integrals of C(T) specimens. As a result, constant C* value using the material data of welded joint gives 10 times lower than that of only HAZ property. Whilst, the predicted CCG rates for welded joint are 10 times higher than those for only HAZ properties. Compared with predicted CCG rate from FE analysis and the experimental CCG rate, it can be suggested that creep crack growth tests for lower load level or for large specimen should be conducted, otherwise the experimental data should give unconservative estimation for components operated in long years. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.