A Methodology to Select Polymers for Creep Application

The methodology of material selection for structural applications has advanced considerably in the last 10 years. The developments have led to software that helps the designer in his choice of material for a specific application. Refinements to allow selection for finite life design are have been presented recently, dealing in particular with steady state creep. The aim of this work is to present a methodology to select polymer for creep limited application, in the non steady-state regime. The present approach is illustrated in cases where recognition of the finite life of materials is crucial, since creep of polymers can not be avoided in many applications.