Constant structure creep in metals after stress reduction in steady state stage

Constant structure creep in several metals and alloys was investigated in structures corresponding to the steady state creep conditions. Results were interpreted by means of the back stress concept. In accord with postulates of the strain transient dip test technique, the residual effective stress is considered the controlling stress for dislocation glide. The suggested interpretation of constant structure creep data allows to obtain some information about parameters of the dislocation kinetics in the steady state creep. From the interpretation, a pronounced applied stress dependence of the mobile dislocation density as well as a specific relation between the activation area and the effective stress in steady state creep under various creep conditions result.