A review of the effect of prior inelastic deformation on high temperature mechanical response of engineering alloys

In this review article, we examine the influence of prior deformation (prestrain) on the subsequent high temperature mechanical behaviour of engineering alloys. We review the observed effects at a macroscopic level in terms of creep deformation, creep rupture times and crack growth rates from a number of sources and a range of materials. Microstructural explanations for the observed macroscopic effects are also reviewed and constitutive models which incorporate the effect of prior deformation are examined. The emphasis in the paper is on engineering steels though reference is also made to non-ferrous alloys.