Benchmark for finite element analysis of stress redistribution induced by creep damage

A benchmark test for finite element analysis of stress redistribution induced by material creep damage is proposed using a two-bar model structure. It is directly based on the analytical solution reported earlier by Gonçalves Filho [Int. J. Solids Struct. 32 (1995) 3087] and actual creep data for the Ti-6Al-2Cr-2Mo titanium alloy. The new benchmark is used to assess the accuracy of the implicit time integration scheme employed in the in-house finite element code developed by this author for solution of engineering creep damage problems. By allowing the calculation of the true relative errors in alternative numerical solutions, the designed test enhances the set of benchmark tests recently proposed by Becker et al. [Comput. Mater. Sci. 25 (2002) 34].