Save the thermal analysis results (OUTRES) at the desired time steps. Use the temperature results for input loading in the subsequent structural analysis.

Select the creep model based on available experimental data.

For better results, the stress/strain rate and temperature range of the application should fall within the considered experimental data range. Using too much additional experimental data outside the required range also leads to more complexity in finding material constants and reduces accuracy within the desired range of strains. Engineering judgment is therefore necessary to select an experimental data range for curve-fitting.

Because the curve-fitting procedure is a numerical technique for obtaining material constants without considering the physics of the material model, material model knowledge is required to judge the constants obtained from curve-fitting to avoid solution inconsistency.

Provide accurate experimental test data to obtain valid curve-fitting results.

For more information, see Rate-Dependent Plasticity (Viscoplasticity) in the Material Reference and Rate-Dependent Plasticity (Including Creep and Viscoplasticity) in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.