BioMechanics and BioMaterials Lab

Mechanical Prosperities of Biomaterials

Experiment #3 Pre lab

Creep Testing
Objectives :
1. To understand the principle of Creep testing.
2. To study the time-dependent deformation (creep) of different materials (PMMA, Aluminum,
Copper).

Introduction :
A creep test measures the progressive rate of deformation of a given material at high
temperatures. It is performed by subjecting a tensile specimen to a constant load at a fixed
temperature and recording the corresponding amount of strain

To determine creep properties, material is subjected to prolonged constant tension or

compression loading at constant temperature. Deformation is recorded at specified time intervals
and a creep vs. time diagram is plotted. Slope of curve at any point is creep rate. If failure occurs,
it terminates test and time for rupture is recorded. If specimen does not fracture within test
period, creep recovery may be measured. To determine stress relaxation of material, specimen is
deformed a given amount and decrease in stress over prolonged period of exposure at constant
temperature is recorded.

Creep occurs in three stages: Primary, or Stage I; Secondary, or Stage II: and Tertiary, or Stage
III. Stage I, or Primary creep occurs at the beginning of the tests, and creep is mostly transiently,
not at a steady rate. Resistance to creep increases until Stage II is reached. In Stage II, or
Secondary creep, The rate of creep becomes roughly steady. This stage is often referred to as
steady state creep. In Stage III, or tertiary creep, the creep rate begins to accelerate as the cross
sectional area of the specimen decreases due to necking or internal voiding decreases the
effective area of the specimen. If stage III is allowed to proceed, fracture will occur.
Materials and Method :

 PC Computer
 Universal Testing Machine (810LE4 Series Hardware)

1. Prepare the specimens which must be consist of different materials, and set their
different parameters in a schedule.
2. Set each specimen between the grips of the machine.
3. Apply on each specimen a different force from forces applied on others specimen.
4. Write down for each specimen the elongation, strain, and the time.

Expected value :

MATERIAL STRAIN STRESS APPLIED LOAD

(MPA) (N)

ALUMINUM 12.09 160 1500

COPPER 8.3 195 -

PMMA 4.3 135.9 226.5

References :
 http://www.wmtr.com/en.whatisacreeptest.html
 http://www.instron.us/en-us/our-company/library/glossary/c/creep-test
 https://www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/6467/creep-test
 ABDEL-WAHAB, A.A., ATAYA, S. and SILBERSCHMIDT, V.V., 2017. Temperature-dependent
mechanical behaviour of PMMA: Experimental analysis and modelling. Polymer Testing, 58, pp.
86-95.
 https://smartech.gatech.edu/bitstream/handle/1853/18929/yu_ching_197405_ms_121640.
pdf
 Henrik C M Andersson, Facredin Seitisleam, Rolf Sandström Corrosion & Metals Research
Institute, Creep testing and creep loading experiments on friction stir welds in copper, 2007