The Thermodynamics of Creep Deformation

The thermodynamics of creep deformation is discussed with particular reference to thermally‐activated glide of dislocation segments. It is shown that the activation enthalpy and the activation volume of the basic atomic process may be obtained respectively from the temperature‐dependence of the strain rate at constant stress and from the stress‐dependence of creep at constant temperature. Various correction terms proposed by other workers are examined and shown to be unnecessary.