An Experimental Approach to the Application of Digital Image Correlation to Small Punch Creep Testing

Deterioration assessment of materials is essential to the continued effective operation critical components operating, at high temperatures and stresses, in thermal power plants. Within progressive inspection strategies, small punch creep testing (SPCT) presents an method for establishing degree exhaustion in-service engineering alloys on account volume material required (Ø8 mm × 0.5 discs). These tests make application complex strain fields, analogous field experienced by service components, possible. In addition, this work explores a noncontact digital image correlation (DIC) full-field measurement strains which not possible through traditional extensometry. The accelerated SPCT were performed 12 % Cr ex-service steels subjected 600 °C. Experimental methodologies challenges associated with ex situ DIC-SPCT are discussed including equipment parameter selection, speckle pattern application, preforming requirements loading method. It shown that developed DIC technique using stereo microscope, airbrushed patterns, sombrero-preformed discs interrupted can be used compare surface development various aged forms steel. Such approach valuable understanding assist comparative damage plant materials.