A Novel High-Throughput Method for Performing Multiple Creep Tests Simultaneously

Creep is a phenomenon occurring in materials subjected to constant stress or load for a prolonged period of time on the scale of weeks, months, or years. In this work, we introduce a novel high-throughput technique to perform multiple creep tests simultaneously. The method works by coupling four specimens in series and loading them simultaneously. Although all specimens experience the same force, each has a different cross-sectional area, and thereby experiences a different stress. The resulting strains are then monitored using Digital Image Correlation, which facilitates the independent assessment of creep deformation in each specimen. To validate the technique, we use commercial 316 L stainless steel machined to 1/5 scale ASTM-E8 pin-loaded specimens. Two different sets of experiments are conducted at 650 °C and 325 MPa, 300 MPa, 275 MPa, and 250 MPa: (i) single-specimen tests to provide a benchmark measurement; and (ii) four specimens connected in series, to demonstrate the high-throughput technique. Successful validation showed that the high-throughput technique is capable of conducting up to four times as many creep tests within the same timeframe, thus significantly expediting the characterization of new alloys for creep resistance.