Abstract
An anisotropic creep damage theory is implemented into the finite element analysis of the creep damage process in structural elements. The evolution equation of creep damage and the creep constitutive equation of damages materials were established by means of a second rank symmetric damage tensor Ω. The creep constitutive equation of McVetty type combined with a strain hardening hypothesis is assumed. The process of a plane creep crack growth in a thin plate with a circular hole at 250°C due to anisotropic creep damage under proportional and non-proportional loadings is analysed by this method. The effect of damage anisotropy on the creep crack extention and the final rupture time is discussed in contrast with the corresponding numerical results based on an isotropic damage theory.
