Non-destructive prediction method of creep damage and remnant life related to those under creep–fatigue interactive conditions for nickel base superalloys

In order to clarify the microdamage formation behaviour for high temperature brittle IN100 alloy, a polycrystalline nickel base superalloy, in situ observational test was carried out to observe creep damage formation behaviour of a notched IN100 specimen. Furthermore, the experimental findings of creep damage formation were evaluated by an original elastic–plastic creep finite element analysis. As a result, microcracks and damage forming areas were found to develop in the creep damage areas suggested by this analysis. This has resulted in the development of a non-destructive prediction method for creep damage accumulation and material’s remnant life. The application of this method to the cases under creep–fatigue conditions was addressed.