The accurate prediction of damage behavior of welded components at high temperature is becoming incresasingly important in order to realize an optimised design and maintenance of a plant life.In the present paper,the creep properties of the weld of HK40 furnace tube are determined by means of a local deformation measuring technique.A damage mechanics approach is introduced to simulate the damage development and creep rupture of HK-40 furnace tubes due to the presence of a weld.Metallographical research also indicates that the weld has a higher damage rank.It has been illustrated that damage is prone to the weld in the later period of service life.It is thus concluded that the weldments may become the weak link in HK-40 furnace tubes.
