Torsional reversed creep data are presented for tubular specimens of commercially pure aluminum to illustrate the influence of test temperature on creep deformation resistance under repeated stress reversals. Test temperatures range between 300 and 510 K. These data plus results on other metals show that multiple stress reversals cause a deceleration of creep deformation at test temperatures below about 0.4 of the absolute melting temperature. A significant acceleration of creep may occur at higher temperatures. An optimum temperature for maximum acceleration of creep occurs at a temperature of approximately half of the melting temperature.

The engineering significance of the decrease in creep deformation resistance at high temperatures due to multiple stress reversals is discussed. Creep rupture time and the failure life in high-temperature fatigue or thermal fatigue with large hold times may be reduced significantly by an acceleration of creep at high temperatures.