AbstractThis paper describes an investigation of the influence of radiation on the creep of polyethylene in tension and compression. The influence of five radiation doses and four stress levels were considered in this study. The tests were conducted for periods of 1000 hr. Even for small doses of radiation, it was found that the creep resistance of the material was increased. However, it should be noted that with decrease in creep deformations, the time to rupture for a given stress will very likely be decreased. In addition, the short‐time properties may be adversely influenced by radiation. It is therefore necessary to select the optimum radiation dose based upon a consideration of all the propertie
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