A simulation of behavior of creep crack growth is conducted by using a phenomenological model. Development of intergranular failure equations (r-type and wedge type cavitation and the coupling between them) has utilized physically-based concepts. It hse also been based upon phenomenological observations.
A local failure condition for creep crack advance is that when sum of r-type and wedge type cavity damage in any ligament reches 1, that ligament fails by cavitation.
For single element, intergranular damage under monotonic loading and slow-fast cyclic loading has been simulated with the model. Material is type 304 stainless steel. For multi-ligament, cases of far field stress constant and K(stress intensity factor) constant condition is simulated with this same model.
In conclusion, cavity growth is the dominant deformation mechanism in controlling creep crack growth.
