Modelling grain boundary sliding during creep of austenitic stainless steels

Two models are presented for grain boundary sliding (GBS) displacement during creep. GBS is considered as crucial for the formation of creep cavities. In the first model, the shear sliding model, GBS is accommodated by grains freely sliding along the boundaries in a power-law creeping material. The GBS rate is proportional to the grain size. In the second model, the shear crack model, the sliding boundaries are represented by shear cracks. The GBS rate is controlled by particles in the boundaries. In both models, the GBS displacement rate is proportional to the creep strain rate. Both models are consistent with existing experimental observations for GBS during creep of austenitic stainless steels. For cavity nucleation at particles, Harris’ model (1965) for the relationship between GBS and a critical particle size has been analysed and found to be in agreement with observations.