Which of the following is a slow deformation of metal over time under continual stress and high temperature?

Creep is the phenomenon that describes the slow, time-dependent deformation of materials, particularly metals, when subjected to constant stress over an extended period, especially at elevated temperatures. This process occurs as the metal's atomic structure slowly rearranges due to the sustained load and thermal effects, leading to gradual elongation or distortion.

In high-temperature environments, metals can be particularly susceptible to creep, which can significantly influence the design and maintenance of components in applications such as power generation and chemical processing. Proper understanding of creep is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of pressure vessels, boilers, and other critical equipment operating under such conditions.

While fatigue involves the failure of materials due to cyclic loading, corrosion refers to the chemical degradation of materials, and oxidation is a specific type of corrosion that occurs when metals react with oxygen. These processes differ fundamentally from creep, which is characterized by slow deformation rather than failure or degradation.