Mismatch effect in creep properties on creep crack growth behavior in welded joints

•Mismatch effect on creep crack growth behavior in welded joints was investigated.•The harder surrounding materials can lead to higher creep crack growth rate.•Incubation time of second crack in materials near interface needs to be determined.•A proper mismatch design can improve creep crack growth properties of welded joints.

The finite element method based on ductility exhaustion model was used to systematically investigate the mismatch effect in creep properties on creep crack growth (CCG) behavior in welded joints. The crack-tip damage, stress states, CCG paths, CCG rate and rupture life were calculated for different configurations of creep properties between weldment constituents under the same load level, and the creep life assessment and design for welded joints were discussed. The results show that when the zone containing the crack is softer than at least one of the other two surrounding materials or both, the creep crack propagates straight along the initial crack plane. Otherwise, it will form a second crack in the soft material near interface. These simulation results were confirmed by the experimental observations in the literature, and the mechanism was analyzed. The harder surrounding materials can lead to higher CCG rate and shorter rupture life due to the higher constraint given from them. The early initiation and propagation of the second cracks increase CCG rate and reduce rupture life, and the incubation time of the second cracks in soft materials near interfaces should be accurately determined in the creep life assessment and design for the welded joints. A proper mismatch design with harder material containing crack and softer surrounding material can improve CCG properties of welded joints (decreasing CCG rate and prolong rupture life).