Researching Methods to Study Creep Strain Variations in Power Station Steam Plant

A research programme to investigate different methods of measuring creep strain rate in steam pipes and other power station components is described. One of the studies is to obtain more information of the changing distribution of creep strain around welded joints, changes in cross-section and other features in steam pipes and other power plant components. One method being developed is to use Digital Image Correlation (DIC) together with the E.ON UK ARCMAC gauges. The latter to provide an integrated creep strain rate, with the DIC method revealing the local creep strain rate distribution around the ARCMAC gauges. To validate this approach, laboratory specimens have been prepared that have known faults to ratify the measurement data obtained and its sensitivity to small changes in the studied specimens. Parallel to this laboratory research are investigations as to how best to use the DIC method on working steam pipes and other components of power stations.