Anisotropic creep behaviour of Bridgman notch specimens

A series of finite element anisotropic creep analyses of a Bridgman notch specimen have been performed. The anisotropic creep analysis is based on Hill's anisotropic yield model and the Norton creep law. An anisotropic parameter, p, is defined in order to quantify the degree of bulk material anisotropy which exists in a weld metal. The effects of p and the Norton stress exponent, n, on the stationary-state stresses, at the minimum cross-section of the notch, are presented. The material constants were chosen to include the practical range for engineering materials. Indications of the practical application of anisotropic analyses to welds are given