This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D2990 − 17

Standard Test Methods for

Tensile, Compressive, and Flexural Creep and Creep-
Rupture of Plastics 1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2990; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of tensile D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
and compressive creep and creep-rupture of plastics under D695 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid
specified environmental conditions (see 3.2). Plastics
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
1.2 In these test methods three-point loading, as described and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
in Test Methods D790, is used for measurement of creep in als
flexure. However, four-point loading using the equipment and D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
principles described in D6272 is also permitted as an option. D1822 Test Method for Tensile-Impact Energy to Break
1.3 For measurements of creep-rupture, tension is the pre- Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
ferred stress mode because for some ductile plastics rupture D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
does not occur in flexure or compression. als
1.4 Test data obtained by these test methods are relevant and D4065 Practice for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Proper-
appropriate for use in engineering design. ties: Determination and Report of Procedures
D4968 Practice for Annual Review of Test Methods and
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the Specifications for Plastics
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only. D5947 Test Methods for Physical Dimensions of Solid
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the Plastics Specimens
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the D6272 Test Method for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- als by Four-Point Bending
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. A specific warning
statement is given in 6.8.2. 3. Terminology

NOTE 1—This standard and ISO 899 Parts 1 and 2 address the same
3.1 Definitions:
subject matter, but differ in technical content (and results cannot be 3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method and
directly compared between the two test methods). ISO 899 Part 1 associated with plastics issues refer to the terminology con-
addresses tensile creep and creep to rupture and ISO 899 Part 2 addresses tained in standard D883.
flexural creep. Compressive creep is not addressed in ISO 899.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2. Referenced Documents 3.2.1 creep modulus—the ratio of initial applied stress to
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 creep strain.
D543 Practices for Evaluating the Resistance of Plastics to 3.2.2 creep strain—the total strain, at any given time,
Chemical Reagents produced by the applied stress during a creep test.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The term creep, as used in this test
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on method, reflects current plastics engineering usage. In scientific
Plastics and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.10 on Mechanical practice, creep is often defined to be the nonelastic portion of
Properties.
Current edition approved March 1, 2017. Published March 2017. Originally strain. However, this definition is not applicable to existing
approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D2990 - 09. DOI: engineering formulas. Plastics have a wide spectrum of retar-
10.1520/D2990-17.
2
dation times, and elastic portions of strain cannot be separated
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
in practice from nonelastic. Therefore, wherever “strain” is
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on mentioned in these test methods, it refers to the sum of elastic
the ASTM website. strain plus the additional strain with time.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D2990 − 17
3.2.3 deformation—a change in shape, size or position of a displacement of the specimen within the grips during load
test specimen as a result of compression, deflection, or exten- application are not suitable.
sion: 6.2 Compressive Creep:
3.2.4 compression—in a compressive creep test, the de- 6.2.1 Anvils—Parallel anvils shall be used to apply the load
crease in length produced in the gauge length of a test to the unconfined-type specimen (see 8.2). One of the anvils of
specimen. the machine shall preferably be self-aligning and shall, in order
3.2.5 deflection—in a flexural creep test, the change in that the load be applied evenly over the face of the specimen,
mid-span position of a test specimen. be arranged so that the specimen is accurately centered and the
3.2.6 extension—in a tensile creep test, the increase in resultant load is through its center.
length produced in the gauge length of a test specimen. 6.2.2 Guide Tube—A guide tube and fixtures shall be used
when testing slender specimens (see 8.3) to prevent buckling.
3.2.7 slenderness ratio—the ratio of the length of a column A suitable arrangement is shown in Fig. 1. The guide tube is a
of uniform cross section to its least radius of gyration; for 3.2-mm (0.125-in.) Schedule 40 stainless steel pipe nipple
specimens of uniform rectangular cross section, the radius of approximately 150 mm (6 in.) long reamed to 6.860 6
gyration is 0.289 times the smaller cross-sectional dimension; 0.025-mm (0.270 6 0.001-in.) inside diameter.
for specimens of uniform circular cross section, the radius of
gyration is 0.250 times the diameter. 6.3 Flexural Creep:
3.2.8 stress—the ratio of the applied force to a unit area of 6.3.1 Test Rack—A rigid test rack shall be used to provide
the test specimen support of the specimen at both ends with a span equal to 16
3.2.8.1 Discussion—Tensile and compressive stress is deter- ( + 4, − 2) times the thickness of the specimen. In order to
mined based on the original cross sectional area of the avoid excessive indentation of the specimen, the radius of the
specimen. Three and four point flexure tests produce both support shall be 3.2 mm (0.125 in). Sufficient space must be
tensile and compressive stresses in the specimen. The flexural allowed below the specimen for dead-weight loading at mid-
stress is taken to be the maximum outer fiber stress. span.
6.3.2 Stirrup—A stirrup shall be used which fits over the test
4. Summary of Test Methods specimen from which the desired load shall be suspended to
4.1 These test methods consist of measuring the extension provide flexural loading at mid-span. In order to prevent
or compression as a function of time and time-to-rupture, or excessive indentation or failure due to stress concentration
failure of a specimen subject to constant tensile or compressive under the stirrup, the radius of the stirrup shall be 3.2 mm
load under specified environmental conditions. (0.125 in.). Connection between stirrup and weight shall be
made in a manner to avoid nonuniform loading caused by
5. Significance and Use misalignment or rack not being level.
5.1 Data from creep and creep-rupture tests are necessary to 6.3.3 A suitable arrangement is shown in Fig. 2.
predict the creep modulus and strength of materials under 6.4 Loading System—The loading system must be so de-
long-term loads and to predict any dimensional changes that signed that the load applied and maintained on the specimen is
will potentially occur as a result of such loads. within 61 % of the desired load. The loading mechanism must
5.2 Data from these test methods are suitable for use: (1) to allow reproductively rapid and smooth loading as specified in
compare materials, (2) in the design of fabricated parts, (3) to 11.3. In creep-rupture tests, provision must be made to ensure
characterize plastics for long-term performance under constant that shock loading, caused by a specimen failure, is not
load, and (4) under certain conditions, for specification pur- transferred to other specimens undergoing testing.
poses. 6.4.1 Loading systems that provide a mechanical advantage
require careful design to maintain constant load throughout the
5.3 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall
test. For example, lever systems must be designed so that the
be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any
load does not change as the lever arm moves during the test.
specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, and/or testing
parameters covered in the material specification shall take 6.5 Extension, Compression, and Deflection Measurement:
precedence over those mentioned in this test method, except in 6.5.1 The extension or compression of specimen gauge
cases where to do so would conflict with the purpose for length under load shall be measured by means of any device
conducting testing. If there are no material specifications, then that will not influence the specimen behavior by mechanical
the default conditions apply. (undesirable deformation, notches, etc.), physical (heating of
specimen, etc.), or chemical effects. Preferably the extension
6. Apparatus shall be measured directly on the specimen, rather than by grip
6.1 Tensile Creep: separation. It is permissible to use anvil displacement to
6.1.1 Grips—The grips and gripping technique shall be measure compression. If extension measurements are made by
designed to minimize eccentric loading of the specimen. grip separation, suitable correction factors must be determined,
Swivel or universal joints shall be used beyond each end of the so that strain within the gauge length is calculable. These
specimen. correction factors are dependent on the geometry of the
6.1.2 It is recommended that grips permit the final centering specimen and its drawing behavior, and they must be measured
of the specimen prior to applying the load. Grips that permit a with respect to these variables.

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 D2990 − 17

FIG. 1 A Compressive Creep Apparatus Including Details When Used in an Environmental Chamber

6.5.2 The deflection of the specimen at mid-span shall be out the test. The temperature measuring devices shall be
measured using a dial gauge (with loading springs removed, checked regularly against temperature standards and shall
with its measuring foot resting on stirrup) or a cathetometer. indicate the temperature of the specimen gauge area.
6.5.3 The accuracy of the deformation measuring device 6.7.3 Temperature measurements shall be made at frequent
shall be within 6 1 % of the deformation to be measured. intervals, or continuously recorded to ensure an accurate
6.5.4 Deformation measuring devices shall be calibrated determination of the average test temperature and compliance
against a precision micrometer screw or other suitable standard with 6.7.1.
under conditions as nearly identical as possible with those
6.8 Environmental Control and Measurement:
encountered in the test. Caution is necessary when using
6.8.1 When the test environment is air, the relative humidity
deformation measuring devices whose calibration is subject to
shall be controlled to within 6 5 % during the test unless
drifting with time and is dependent on temperature and
otherwise specified, or unless the creep behavior of the
humidity.
material under testing has been shown to be unaffected by
6.5.5 Deformation measuring devices shall be firmly at-
humidity. The controlling and measuring instruments shall be
tached to or seated on the specimen so that no slippage occurs.
stable for long time intervals and accurate to within 61 %.
Electrical resistance gauges are suitable only if the material
(The control of relative humidity is known to be difficult at
tested will permit perfect adhesion to the specimen and if they
temperatures much outside the range of 10 to 40°C (50 to
are consistent with 6.5.1.
100°F).)
6.6 Time Measurement—The accuracy of the time measur- 6.8.2 The composition of the test environment shall be
ing device shall be 6 1 % of the time-to-rupture or failure or maintained constant throughout the test. (Warning—Safety
the elapsed time of each creep measurement, or both. precautions shall be taken to avoid personal contact, to
6.7 Temperature Control and Measurement: eliminate toxic vapors, and to guard against explosion hazards
6.7.1 The temperature of the test space, especially close to in accordance with any possible hazardous nature of the
the gauge length of the specimen, shall be maintained within particular environment being used.)
62°C by a suitable automatic device and shall be stated in 6.9 Vibration Control—Creep tests are quite sensitive to
reporting the results. shock and vibration. The location of the apparatus, the test
NOTE 2—The thermal contraction and expansion associated with small equipment, and mounting shall be so designated that the
temperature changes during the test may produce changes in the apparent specimen is isolated from vibration. Multiple-station test
creep rate, especially near transition temperatures. equipment must be of sufficient rigidity so that no significant
6.7.2 Care must be taken to ensure accurate temperature deflection occurs in the test equipment during creep or creep-
measurements over the gauge length of the specimen through- rupture testing. During time-to-rupture or failure, means to

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 D2990 − 17

FIG. 2 Flexural Creep Test Apparatus

prevent jarring of other test specimens by the falling load from 7.4 Standard Reagents—A list of standard reagents is also
a failed test specimen shall be provided by a suitable net or available in Test Method D543.
cushion.
8. Test Specimens
7. Reagents 8.1 Test specimens for tensile creep measurements shall be
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be either Type I or Type II as specified in Test Method D638.
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that Specimens specified in Test Method D1822 are also permitted
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit- for creep-rupture testing. Tabs shall be trimmed, if necessary,
tee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, to fit grips, as long as the gripping requirements in 6.1.1 are
where such specifications are available.3 Other grades are met.
permitted provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of 8.2 Specimens for unconfined compressive creep tests shall
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the be suitably prepared in the manner described in Test Method
accuracy of the determination. D695, except that the length shall be increased so that the
7.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references slenderness ratio lies between 11 and 15. The standard test
to water shall be understood to mean distilled water or water of specimen shall be in the form of a right cylinder or prism.
equal purity. Preferred specimen cross sections are 12.7 by 12.7 mm (0.50
by 0.50 in.) or 12.7 mm (0.50 in.) in diameter. Surfaces of the
7.3 Specified Reagents—If this test method is referenced in test specimens shall be plane and parallel.
a material specification, the specific reagent to be used shall be
as stipulated in the specification. 8.3 Test specimens for the compressive creep
measurements, using the guide tube specified in 6.2.2, shall be
slender bars of square cross section with sides measuring 4.850
3
“Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications,” Am. Chemi- 6 0.025 mm (0.1916 0.001 in.) and the diagonals 6.860 6
cal Soc., Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not listed by
the American Chemical Society, see “Reagent Chemicals and Standards,” by Joseph
0.025 mm (0.270 6 0.001 in.). The specimen shall be 51 mm
Rosin, D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc., New York, NY, and the “United States (2.0 in.) long with the ends machined perpendicular to the
Pharmacopeia.” sides.

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 D2990 − 17
8.4 Test specimens for flexural creep measurements shall be 10.1.1 To characterize a material, select two or more test
rectangular bars conforming to the requirements of Section 5 of temperatures to cover the useful temperature range, usually at
Test Methods D790. Preferred specimen sizes are 63.5 by 12.7 elevated temperatures, in suitable increments that reflect the
by 3.18 mm (2.5 by 0.5 by 0.125 in.) or 127 by 12.7 by 6.4 mm variation of the creep of the material with temperature and
(5.0 by 0.5 by 0.25 in.). Close tolerances of specimen and span transitions of the material.
dimensions are not critical as long as actual dimensions are NOTE 4—A useful method for measuring the elevated-temperature
used in calculating loads. response and transitions of a material for the purpose of selecting test
8.5 Suitable means of producing test specimens include temperatures is Test Method D4065.
injection or compression molding or by machining from sheets 10.1.2 To obtain design data, the test temperatures and
or other fabricated forms. When the testing objective is to environment shall be the same as those of the intended end-use
obtain design data, the method of sample fabrication shall be application.
the same as that used in the application. 10.1.3 To obtain the stress for 1 % strain at 1000 h (see
8.6 Specimens prepared from sheet shall be cut in the same 10.3.2) or for other simple material comparisons such as data
direction. If the material is suspected to be anisotropic, a set of sheets, select the test temperatures from the following: 23, 50,
specimens shall be cut for testing from each of the two 70, 90, 120, and 155°C. These temperatures were selected from
principal directions of the sheet. the list of standard temperatures in Practice D618.
8.7 The width and the thickness of the specimens shall be 10.2 Creep-Rupture:
measured at room temperature with a suitable micrometer to 10.2.1 At each test temperature, make creep-rupture tests at
the nearest 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) and 0.005 mm (0.0002 in.), a minimum of seven stress levels selected so as to produce
respectively, at five or more points along the gauge length or rupture at approximately the following times: 1, 10, 30, 100,
span prior to testing. 300, 1000, and 3000 h.
10.2.1.1 The objective of these tests is to produce at each
8.8 In the case of materials whose dimensions are known to test temperature, a curve of stress-at-rupture versus time-to-
change significantly due to the specified environment alone rupture, often called a “creep-rupture envelope,” which indi-
(for example, the shrinkage of some thermosetting plastics due cates a limit of a material’s load-bearing capability at the test
to post-curing at elevated temperatures), provision shall be temperature. For the prediction of long-term performance, for
made to test unloaded control specimens alongside the test example, in the design of parts that will bear constant loads six
specimen so that it is possible to compensate for changes other months or longer, test times longer than 3000 h are usually
than creep. A minimum of three control specimens shall be necessary, particularly at elevated temperatures where heat
tested at each test temperature. aging of the material is suspected to occur, and in aggressive
8.9 In creep testing at a single temperature, the minimum environments, both of which have the potential to greatly affect
number of test specimens at each stress shall be two if four or creep-rupture.
more levels of stress are used or three if fewer than four levels 10.2.2 For materials that fail catastrophically (that is, with
are used. negligible yielding, drawing, or flowing) measure and report
8.10 In creep-rupture testing, a minimum of two specimens the time-to-rupture. For materials that yield, draw, or flow
shall be tested at each of the stress levels specified in 10.2.1 at significantly prior to rupture, measure and report the time at the
each temperature. onset of tertiary creep (onset of yielding, flowing, or drawing)
shall be considered the time-to-failure and shall be measured
NOTE 3—The scatter of creep-rupture data is considerable, with one half and reported. For materials that yield, draw, or flow, creep
to a full decade of variation in time-to-rupture being typical. Therefore, it strain will have to be measured with a recorder.
may be necessary to test more than two specimens at each stress level to
obtain satisfactory results. 10.3 Creep:
10.3.1 To obtain design data or to characterize a material,
9. Conditioning select stress levels as follows:
9.1 Condition the test specimens at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 10.3.1.1 For materials that show linear viscoelasticity, that
3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not less than 40 h is, successive creep modulus versus time for different stresses
prior to testing in accordance with Procedure A of Methods that superimpose upon each other (Boltzman superposition
D618 for those tests where conditioning is required. principle (1),4 select a minimum of three stress levels for each
temperature of interest.
9.2 The specimen shall be preconditioned in the test envi-
10.3.1.2 For materials that are significantly affected by
ronment for at least 48 h prior to being tested. Those materials
stress, select at least five stresses (and preferably more) for
whose creep properties are suspected to be affected by moisture
each temperature of interest.
content shall be brought to moisture equilibrium appropriate to
10.3.1.3 Select stress levels in approximately even incre-
the test conditions prior to testing.
ments up to the 1000-h creep-rupture stress:
Stress levels above 7 MPa (1000 psi) to the nearest 3.5 MPa
10. Selection of Test Conditions
(500 psi);
10.1 Test Temperatures—Selection of temperatures for
creep and creep-rupture testing depends on the intended use of 4
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
the test results and shall be made as follows: this standard.

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 D2990 − 17
Stress levels below 7 MPa (1000 psi) to the nearest 0.7 MPa specimen, and the liquid agent applied to saturate the swab.
(100 psi). 11.5 Measure the extension of compression of the specimen
10.3.1.4 Do not use stress levels that produce failure in less in accordance with the following approximate time schedule:
than 1000 h in creep testing. 1, 6, 12, and 30 min; 1, 2, 5, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 700, and
10.3.2 For simple material comparisons, as for data sheets 1000 h. For creep tests longer than 1000 h, measure deforma-
and the like, determine the stress to produce 1 % strain in 1000 tion at least monthly.
h. Do this by selecting several loads to produce strains in the 11.5.1 If discontinuities in the creep strain versus time plot
approximate range of 1 % (both somewhat greater and less are suspected or encountered, readings shall be taken more
than 1 % in 1000 h) and plotting a 1000-h isochronous frequently than scheduled above.
stress-strain curve from which the stress to produce 1 % strain
shall be determined by interpolation. 11.6 Measure temperature, relative humidity, and other
environmental variables and deformation of control specimen
NOTE 5—Isochronous stress-strain curves are cartesian plots of the in accordance with the same schedule as that for deformation
applied stress used in the creep test versus the creep strain at a specific
time, in this case 1000 h. Since only one point of an isochronous plot is of the test specimen.
obtained from each creep test, it is usually necessary to run creep tests at 11.7 Upon completion of the test interval without rupture,
least three stress levels (and preferably more) to obtain an isochronous
plot (Fig. 3).
remove the load rapidly and smoothly.
11.8 Optionally, initiate measurements of the recovery on
11. Procedure the same schedule as used in 11.5 during the load application.
11.1 Mount a properly conditioned and measured specimen Calculate recovery strain as described in 12.2.
in the grips, compressive creep fixture, or flexural creep rack.
If necessary, mount a properly conditioned and measured 12. Calculation
control specimen alongside the test specimen in the same
12.1 For tensile or compressive measurements, calculate the
manner.
stresses for each specimen in megapascals (or pounds-force per
11.2 Attach the deformation measuring devices to the speci- square inch) by dividing the load by the average initial
men (and control specimen) or, if these are optical devices, cross-sectional area of the reduced section.
install ready for measurements. Make the initial or reference 12.1.1 For three-point flexural measurements (see Test
measurement for extension or deflection. Methods D790), calculate the maximum fiber stress for each
11.2.1 If the test environment would be disturbed during the specimen in megapascals (or pounds-force per square inch) as
attachment of the deformation measuring device, mount the follows:
device prior to mounting the specimen.
S 5 3PL/2bd2
11.3 Apply the full load rapidly and smoothly to the
specimen, preferably in 1 to 5 s. In no case shall the loading 12.1.2 For four-point flexural measurements using a load
time exceed 5 s. Start the timing at the onset of loading. span of 1⁄3 the support span (see D6272), calculate the
maximum fiber stress for each specimen in megapascals (or
11.4 If an environmental agent is used, apply it to the entire pounds-force per square inch) as follows:
gauge length of the specimen immediately after loading.
11.4.1 If the environmental agent is volatile, cover the S 5 PL/bd2 (1)
specimen to retard evaporation without affecting the applied 12.1.3 For four-point flexural measurements using a load
load. Replenish volatile agents periodically. span of 1⁄2 the support span (see D6272), calculate the
NOTE 6—For liquid environmental agents a cotton swab, film, or other maximum fiber stress for each specimen in megapascals (or
device may be wrapped or sealed around the gauge length or span of the pounds-force per square inch) as follows:

FIG. 3 Cartesian Isochronous Stress Strain Curves at Various Times

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 D2990 − 17
S 5 3PL/4bd2 (2) positive ( + ); expansion shall be considered negative (−).
Contraction of the control specimens used for compressive
where:
measurements shall be considered negative (−), expansion
S = stress, MPa (psi), positive ( + ). Upward deflection of the control specimens used
P = load, N (lbf), for flexural measurements shall be considered positive ( + );
L = span, mm (in.),
downward shall be considered negative (−). Calculate cor-
b = width, mm (in.), and
d = depth, mm (in.). rected strain using the deformation corrected for dimensional
change due to the environment. Multiply corrected strain by
12.2 For tensile or compressive measurements, calculate 100 to obtain percent corrected strain.
strain by dividing the extension or compression at the times 12.3.2 If, because of the intended use of the results, it is
specified in 11.5 by the initial gauge length of the conditioned desired not to correct the deformation under load for significant
specimen; multiply strain by 100 to obtain percent strain. dimensional change due to the environment alone, then the
12.2.1 For flexural measurements, calculate the maximum strain calculated in accordance with 12.2 or 12.2.1 shall be
strain in the outer fiber at the mid-span as follows: called uncorrected strain. Calculate the strain change due to the
2
r 5 6D d/L environment in accordance with 12.2 or 12.2.1 by using the
12.2.2 For four-point flexural measurements with a load average deformation in the control specimen. Multiply by 100
span 1⁄3 the support span, calculate the maximum strain in the to obtain percent strain change due to the environment.
outer fiber at the mid-span as follows: Contraction of the control specimens used for tensile measure-
ments shall be considered positive ( + ), expansive negative
2
r 5 4.70D d/L (3) (−). Contraction of the control specimens used for compressive
12.2.3 For four-point flexural measurements with a load measurements shall be considered negative (−), expansion
span 1⁄2 the support span, calculate the maximum strain in the positive ( + ). Upward deflection of the control specimens used
outer fiber at the mid-span as follows: for flexural measurements shall be considered positive ( + ),
2
downward negative (−).
r 5 4.36D d/L (4)
12.4 Calculate creep modulus in megapascals (or pounds-
where:
force per square inch) by dividing the initial stress by the strain
r = maximum strain, mm/mm (in./in.), at the times specified in 11.5.
D = maximum deflection at mid-span, mm (in.),
d = depth, mm (in.), and NOTE 7—For purposes of comparing materials, the plot of creep
L = span, mm (in.). modulus versus time not only realistically ranks materials but also
provides modulus values for use in many design equations (see Fig. 4).
Multiply strain by 100 to obtain percent strain.
12.5 At each test temperature, calculate a statistical least
12.3 When a material shows a significant dimensional
squares regression equation of log stress versus log time-to-
change due to the environment alone, either of the following
rupture or failure. From the regression equation calculate the
approaches shall be used, depending on the intended use of the
stress-to-rupture or failure in megapascals (or pounds-force per
results:
square inch) at 1000 h (see Fig. 5).
12.3.1 Correct each measurement of deformation under load
by the algebraic addition to it of the average deformation 12.6 To calculate the stress to produce 1 % strain at 1000 h,
measured on three nonloaded control specimens at the same plot at each test temperature the 1000-h isochronous stress-
time and at the same temperature. Contraction of the control strain curve (see Fig. 3) and interpolate for the stress at 1 %
specimens used for tensile measurements shall be considered strain. The isochronous stress-strain curve at 1000 h is obtained

FIG. 4 Logarithmic Creep Modulus Versus Time Curves at Various Stress Levels

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FIG. 5 Logarithmic Time-to-Failure (Stress Rupture) Curve

from several (at least three, and preferably more) creep curves 13.1.5 Preconditioning used and description of test
at different stresses by plotting stress versus strain calculated conditions, including the relative humidity, temperatures, as
from deformation measurements at 1000 h. well as concentration and composition of the environment
12.6.1 It is permissible to plot isochronous stress-strain other than air, loads used, type loading, etc.
curves at times other than 1000 h for purposes of analysis or for 13.2 For each test temperature, plot log strain in percent
specialized design situations involving relatively short-time versus log time in hours under load with stress as a parameter
loads and materials that show pronounced creep at such times. (see Fig. 6).
For long-term loading and in general, however, creep modulus 13.2.1 Where deformation measurements of loaded speci-
curves are more useful. mens have been corrected from unloaded control specimens,
plot log corrected strain (in percent) versus log time (in hours)
13. Report under load, and on the same graph also plot the log average
13.1 Report the following information: dimensional change (in percent) due to the environment alone
13.1.1 Description of the material tested, including all versus log time.
pertinent information on composition, preparation, 13.2.2 Where significant changes in deformation due to the
manufacturer, trade name, code number, date of manufacture, environment alone have occurred, but because of the intended
type of molding, annealing, etc., use of the results it is desired not to correct the deformation
13.1.2 Dates of the creep test, under load, then plot log uncorrected strain, in percent, versus
13.1.3 Dimensions of the test specimen, log time in hours under load, and on the same graph plot the
13.1.4 Test method number, revision date, test log average strain change (in percent) of the control specimen
configuration, and versus log time.

FIG. 6 Logarithmic Creep Strain Versus Time Curves at Various Stress Levels

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13.2.3 When a material shows a significant dimensional (Section D20.10.24), ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
change due to the environment alone, any properties calculated Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959.
from the creep data (such as creep modulus or isochronous NOTE 8—Precision data in the previous edition of these test methods
stress-strain curves) shall be labeled corrected or uncorrected, have been judged to be invalid because they were based on round robins
depending on which approach is used. which yielded insufficient data. The available within-laboratory data
provided only two to six total degrees of freedom, and between-laboratory
14. Precision and Bias data were based on only two to four laboratories.
14.1 Attempts to develop a precision and bias statement for 14.2 There are no recognized standards for measuring bias
these test methods have not been successful. For this reason, in regard to these test methods.
data on precision and bias cannot be given. Anyone wishing to
participate in the development of precision and bias data is 15. Keywords
requested to contact the Chairman, Subcommittee D20.10 15.1 creep; creep-rupture; plastics

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. INTRODUCTION

X1.1 Since the properties of viscoelastic materials are for an extended period of time. Therefore, values of modulus
dependent on time-, temperature-, and rate-of-loading, an and strength should be obtained under conditions (stress, time,
instantaneous test result cannot be expected to show how a and so forth) that simulate the end-use application, and can be
material will behave when subjected to stress or deformation used in engineering design.

X2. CREEP CURVE

X2.1 The creep test measures the dimensional changes that

occur during time under a constant static load, while the creep
rupture test measures the time to break under a constant load.
Creep is the progressive deformation of a material at constant
load (stress). A constant load is applied to a specimen in
selected loading configurations, (such as, tension, flexure, or
compression) at constant temperature and the deformation is
measured as a function of time.

X2.2 Following an initial rapid elongation (εo) upon appli-

cation of the load (εo may be considered to consist of the elastic
(εe) and the plastic (εp)), the following occurs:
NOTE 1—The segregation of creep data into instantaneous, primary, and
X2.2.1 The creep rate decreases rapidly with time, (primary secondary stages is dependent upon the time scale of the plot.
creep, Stage I), then NOTE 2—The parameters, εe, εp, and εo are not obtainable using these
test methods (see Note 5). However, such factors may be separately
X2.2.2 It reaches a steady-state value (secondary creep, defined for the sake of stress analysis. Any such definitions can be more
Stage II), followed by or less arbitrary with respect to the time-dependent material behavior.
FIG. X2.1 Creep Curve
X2.2.3 A rapid increase and fracture (tertiary creep, Stage
III).
the yield stress, some of this strain is not totally recoverable.
NOTE X2.1—This is an idealized curve. Some materials do not have a Although this strain is not really creep it is very important since
secondary stage, while tertiary creep usually occurs at high stresses and
for ductile materials. it constitutes a considerable fraction of the allowable total
NOTE X2.2—Since the specimen elongates and decreases in cross- strain in designing. Therefore, it should be included in all
sectional area, the axial stress increases. Therefore, in a constant-load calculations, especially of the creep modulus.
creep test the onset of Stage III shows up earlier than in a constant-stress NOTE X2.4—In cases where this instantaneous strain is subtracted from
test (see dotted line in Fig. X2.1) the total strain, the creep curve must start at the origin of the time/strain
NOTE X2.3—In some terminologies the instantaneous strain (ε o) is coordinates.
often called the first stage, in which case we have four stages of creep.
X2.4 Due to the long times involved, creep curves are
X2.3 The strain, shown as εo, occurs instantaneously upon usually plotted on logarithmic scales where the data is gener-
application of the load. Even though the applied stress is below ally linear. The three curves shown in Fig. X2.2, Fig. X2.3, and

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FIG. X2.2 Tensile-Creep Curve of PTFE at 650 psi, 23°C Creep

Strain versus Time
NOTE 1—~ Modulus5Applied Stress/Total Creep Strain !
Fig. X2.4 are an example. FIG. X2.3 Creep Modulus versus Time

X2.5 As the stress levels increase the creep modulus will be

lowered.

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FIG. X2.4 Creep Modulus versus Time on Logarithmic Coordinates

X3. CREEP STRENGTH AND CREEP RUPTURE

X3.1 In reporting strength data we often speak of creep

strength and rupture strength (creep rupture).
X3.2 The minimum creep rate (slope dE /dt ) is one of the
important parameters. A condition (for example, for jet-engine
material) is the stress needed to produce a creep rate of
0.0001 % E/h or 1 % E/10 000 h. Fig. X3.1 illustrates the
importance of the creep rate.
X3.3 Creep strength is defined as the stress at a given FIG. X3.2 Creep Strength
temperature that produces a steady creep rate of a fixed amount
in percent per hour. (See Fig. X3.2.)
X3.4 Rupture strength is defined as the stress at a given
temperature to produce rupture in a fixed amount of time in
hours. (See Fig. X3.3.)
X3.5 The stress-rupture test is basically similar to a creep
test with the exception that it is continued until the material
fails. Since higher loads are used, creep rates are higher and the FIG. X3.3 Rupture Strength
material fails in a shorter time (usually terminated in 1000 h).
This test is useful in establishing a safe envelope inside which
a creep test can be conducted. The basic information obtained
from the stress-rupture test is the time-to-failure at a given
stress. Based on this data, a safe stress can be determined
below which it is safe to operate, given the time requirements
of the end-use application. The construction of the creep
rupture envelope is shown in Fig. X3.4. Strain is plotted as a
function of time at different stress levels by connecting the
rupture points (before establishing the rupture point remember
that for ductile materials there is no abrupt failure, in which
case the onset of tertiary creep might be more applicable). The
rupture envelope can be created (see Fig. X3.4) (within this

FIG. X3.4 Creep Rupture Envelope

envelope creep curves can be used to predict long-term

behavior).
X3.6 Plotted creep-rupture stresses versus time-to-rupture
data can be used directly for design in some cases. (See Fig.
FIG. X3.1 Creep Rate X3.5.)

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X3.7 Finally, the following should be taken into consider-
ation when making measurements:
X3.7.1 The extension-measuring device (if attached) should
be of adequate resolution, and should not distort the specimen
in any way.
X3.7.2 The stress should be applied rapidly, smoothly, and
reproducibly.
X3.7.3 If a specimen is expected to undergo dimensional
changes (humidity effects, post curing, crystallinity changes,
and so forth), then the creep experiment should be accompa-
nied by a control experiment at no stress to study the effects,
and compensate for the creep data.

NOTE 1—Like creep-rupture curves, creep-modulus data can be ob-

tained by dividing the stress by the measured strain. These values of secant
modulus can be used when modulus is required for design purposes.
FIG. X3.5 Creep Rupture Stress versus Time for Various Plastics

X4. DATA PRESENTATION

X4.1 Creep curves can be presented in a comprehensive start with the isochronous curves and create the creep curves.
way, in constant stress-strain-time coordinates, as shown in
Fig. X4.1. X4.3 The Isochronous Experiment:
X4.3.1 A stress, σ, (below the yield stress) is applied for an
X4.2 From a set of creep curves at various stresses it is arbitrary time period t (at least ten times the loading period)
possible to construct isochronous stress-strain curves by draw- and the strain at time t is measured.
ing lines at fixed times (0, 1, 10, 100 h). The resulting curves
are the isochronous stress-strain plots. Alternatively, one can X4.3.2 The stress is then removed for a period of 4t and then
a stress σ1 (σ1 > σ0) is applied for another period t. The total
strain is measured.
X4.3.3 This procedure is repeated until a stress σn is
reached. For each stress the strain is measured (see Fig. X4.2).

FIG. X4.1 Constant Stress-Strain-Time Coordinates FIG. X4.2 Isochronous Data

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NOTE X4.1—As the stresses are increased, full-strain recovery after the
4t period may not be complete. In this case the additional strain should be
recorded. This is defined as the difference between the total strain at the
end of the creep period and the residual strain that exists at the beginning
of that period.
X4.3.4 The applied stress is then plotted against the addi-
tional strain it produces in time t. This curve is the isochronous
stress-strain plot and it is used in determining the strain that
corresponds to a particular stress at time t.
X4.3.5 Creep curves can be adjusted to correspond to the
isochronous data at time t and interpolated for other stresses in
correspondence to the isochronous data. Fig. X4.3, Fig. X4.4,
and Fig. X4.5 illustrate this process.
X4.3.6 A quick isochronous test (at stress σ lower than the
actual creep stress) is recommended before a long-term creep
test begins, to ensure proper specimen-extensometer machine
interaction. Also, when creep tests are conducted, an additional
creep is available since the strains at time t should correspond
to those of the isochronous experiment.

FIG. X4.4 Constant Time Cross Sections from Fig. X4.3 (Isochro-
nous Sections)

NOTE 1—Propylene-ethylene copolymer at 20°C. (×) for a stress of

2175 lb/in.2 Other experimental creep data are indicated (•). The spacing
of 100 s is determined by the isochronous stress-strain experiment.
FIG. X4.3 Numerically Interpolated Creep Data

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FIG. X4.5 Constant Strain Cross Sections from Fig. X4.3 (Isometric Sections)

X5. PREDICTION OF LONG-TERM PROPERTIES

X5.1 Superposition Principles—Two principles are most

often used in the theory of viscoelasticity, the Boltzmann
superposition principle and the time-temperature superposition
principle.
X5.1.1 The Boltzmann principle describes the response of a
material to different loading histories. Treating creep in terms
of linear viscoelastic behavior, this principle states the follow-
ing:
X5.1.1.1 The response of a material to a given load is
independent of the response of the material to any load which
is already in the material.
X5.1.1.2 The deformation of a specimen is directly propor-
tional to the applied stress, when all deformations are com- FIG. X5.1 Boltzmann Principle
pared at equivalent times. The total strain is given as follows:
E ~ t ! 5 J ~ t ! σ 0 1J ~ t 2 t 1 ! ~ σ 2 σ 0 ! 1… J ~ t 2 t !~σn 2 σ n21 !
1 n Doubling the load at 400 s, give a total creep that is the
(X5.1) superposition of the original curve shifted by 400 s on top of
where: the extension of the original curve.
J = creep compliance (time-dependent reciprocal of X5.1.2 The Time-Temperature (W-L-F) Superposition
modulus), and Principle—describes the equivalence of time and temperature.
σ0 = applied stress (initial). Creep or relaxation curves made at different temperatures are
superposed by horizontal shifts along a logarithmic time scale
Fig. X5.1 illustrates this principle. The material obeys the (W-L-F method, developed by Williams, Landel, and Ferry (2))
power law (Nutting Eq): to give a single curve covering a large range of times (master
n
E ~ t ! 5 Kσt (X5.2) curve).
X5.1.2.1 Construction of a Master Curve:
where:
(a) Experimental curves are first obtained at a series of
K = 10−5, and temperatures over a specific time period, and the values of
n = 0.25 temperature constants.
compliance or relaxation are plotted. Then the curve at some

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temperature is chosen as reference (usually Tg). The curves are reference temperature T0 = −30°C, 43°C above Tg.
then shifted one by one along the log time scale until they (d) Nielsen, on page 86 of his book,(3) gives a list of
superimpose. Curves above Tg are shifted to the right, and references to papers discussing master curves for creep and
those below Tg are shifted to the left. A relaxation master curve stress relaxation of various polymers.
is shown in Fig. X5.2. Horizontal shift is given as follows: (e) Polymers also have a number of retardation times
17.44~ T 2 Tg! distributed over many decades of time. This distribution L(t)
loga T 5
51.61T 2 T E
(X5.3) can be estimated from the slope of a compliance curve.
NOTE X5.1—The numerical values change depending on the reference Methods for calculating L(t) have been described by Ferry (2).
temperature (°kelvin).
(b) Eq X5.3 holds for most amorphous polymers and it is X5.1.3 Equation of State:
valid between Tg and 100°C above Tg. Below Tg a different X5.1.3.1 In the paper by S. Goldfein,(4) the equation of
temperature correction should be used. state is used in its various parametric forms to predict mechani-
(c) A W-L-F horizontal factor of cal properties, either in stable structural form, or while under
stress and undergoing chemical changes due to elevated
28.90 ~ T 2 T 0 ! temperatures or chemical attack. Creep and rupture can be
loga T 5 (X5.4)
89.51T 2 T 0 predicted using this method:
is used for the compliance curve shown in Fig. X5.3. The
dlnK/dt 5 E/RT2 (X5.5)

where:
K = reaction rate constant,
T = absolute temperature,
E = activation energy, and
R = gas constant.
X5.1.3.2 The processes of creep and rupture are defined as
the separation and breaking apart of molecules, and are thus
viewed as chemical reactions. By integrating Eq X5.5 and
incorporating all constants in the parameter K, the equation
assumes the form of the mechanical-chemical equation of state:
K 5 $ @ TT0 # / ~ T 0 2 T ! # % ~ 23.78 2 log K (X5.6)

In this form reaction rate K can be expressed in terms of time

t by using kinetic relationships. Three orders were considered
NOTE 1—W-L-F time temperature superposition applied to stress defined as the following: K = x ⁄t (zero order), K = ln2 /(t/2)
relaxation data obtained at several temperatures to obtain a master curve (first order), and K = 1 ⁄(at/2) (second order).
shown by the continuous line. The master curve, made by shifting the data
along the horizontal axis by amounts shown in the insert for a T, is shown X5.1.3.3 Using Eq X5.6 and the three different orders, creep
with circles on a line. and rupture were predicted for thermoplastic and thermoset
FIG. X5.2 Relaxation Master Curve materials.

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FIG. X5.3 Compliance Curve

X6. CURVE-FITTING FORMULAS

X6.1 Curve-fitting techniques (5) are used in representing becomes

models and extrapolating data for use in engineering design. E 5 Btσ n orlogE 5 logt1logB1nlogσ (X6.5)
Creep functions are often written as a separable function of
In the case of steady-state creep, Eq X6.1 and Eq X6.2 are
stress and time:
the power law and log-log law, respectively.
E 5 f~σ! 3 f~t! (X6.1)
Some of these techniques are summarized in the following X6.3 Hyperbolic Sine Creep Law (Nadai):
equations: σ
C 5 C 0 sinh (X6.6)
σ0
X6.2 Norton:
C5B n
(X6.2)
X6.3.1 Eq X6.3 takes into account the downward trend at
σ
low stresses that some materials exhibit, which cannot be
or predicted by the power law.
logC 5 logB1nlogσ (X6.3)
X6.4 Findley:
where:
C = strain rate, e 5 Kt n (X6.7)
σ = applied stress, and X6.4.1 A function of this form called the time-power law
B and n = constants of material and temperature. generally will follow Fig. 2 in these test methods. K and n are
For secondary creep constants of stress and temperature. A linear dependence on
E stress, E = σ f( t), is well suited to many small deformation
n
C5 and C 5 B σ (X6.4) problems with solids.
t

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X6.5 A creep curve can be divided into three parts, as shown
in Figs. X6.1 and X6.2.
X6.6 The four-element model is used to describe both creep
and relaxation for several materials (see Fig. X6.3). A large
number of spring/dashpot components are usually needed to NOTE 1—
reasonably describe creep or relaxation behavior over decades Ee = Elastic = σ ⁄E
Ep = Primary = Dσm (1 − Pe −pt
) (see Note 3), and
of time.
Es Secondary = Btσn

NOTE 2— Constants P and p, and procedures for deriving them, are

given in the “Engineering Design for Plastics,” SPE Series, Chapter 5,
1964, p. 277.
FIG. X6.2 Creep Curve (Three Parts)
FIG. X6.1 Hyberbolic Sine Creep Law

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FIG. X6.3 Four Element Model

X7. HOW TO USE THE CREEP CHART TO DESIGN WITH PLASTICS UNDER STATIC LOAD

See Fig. X7.1.

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FIG. X7.1 Example Problems

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FIG. X7.1 Example Problems (continued)

X8. SUMMARY

X8.1 Obtaining the necessary data for use in design in- X8.1.4 A control experiment to determine dimensional
cludes: change,
X8.1.1 Measurement of complex modulus as a function of X8.1.5 Repeating X8.1.2 and X8.1.3 at high temperatures,
T,
X8.1.6 Based on the data, apply superposition theories, and
X8.1.2 Determination of an isochronous stress-strain curve,
X8.1.3 Creep tests at stress levels chosen from the isochro- X8.1.7 Perform failure analysis.
nous data, and duration to cover the service life of the material,

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REFERENCES

(1) Nielsen, L. E., Mechanical Properties of Polymers , Reinhold Pub- (4) Prediction Techniques for Mechanical and Chemical Behavior, Test-
lishing Corp., New York, NY, 1962. ing of Polymers, Vol 4, p. 121, Interscience Publishers, 1968.
(2) Nielsen, Lawrence E., Mechanical Properties of Polymers and (5) Thorkildsen, R. L., Engineering Design for Plastics, SPE Series,
Composites, Vols 1 and 2, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, NY, 1974. Chapter 5, 1964, p. 297.
(3) Viscoelastic Properties of Polymers, 3rd ed., Wiley, NY, 1980.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D2990 - 09)
that may impact the use of this standard. (March 1, 2017)

(1) Removed permissive language. (5) Added four point bending calculations to Section 12.
(2) Added reference to D6272 in Sections 1, 2, and 12. (6) Included test configuration with test method number in
(3) Added reference to D883 in Section 2 and 3. Section 13.
(4) Modified the stress definition in Section 3.

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