A computational probabilistic model for creep-damaging solids

Abstract A computational probabilistic model for creep-damaging solids is presented which takes into account the effects of randomness in creep and creep-rupture properties observed in experimental data. The model is based upon concepts from continuum damage mechanics, using the well-known Kachanov creep damage model as a prototype, and assuming that various material parameters present in the problem may be considered as random variables. The mapping from the random parameter space to the solution space is computed using exact relations from probability theory. As an example, the distributions for the parameters in the model are estimated from experimental data and the probabilistic growth of creep damage in a thick-walled cylinder under internal pressure is computed.