Evaluating structural capability of materials under axisymmetric thermomechanical loading

A method for evaluating structural capability of materials under axisymmetric thermomechanical loading, comprising:

• placing a test material between an upper fixture and a lower fixture;
• applying a mechanical load around a circumference of the upper fixture and the lower fixture creating an equiaxial state of stress at center of the test material, wherein
• the applying of the preload comprises tightening a plurality of bolts around the circumference of the upper fixture and the lower fixture;
• and
• applying a heating load in an axisymmetric manner at center of the test material, causing equiaxial stresses.

An apparatus configured to evaluate structural capability of materials under axisymmetric thermomechanical loading, comprising:

• a test material placed between an upper fixture and a lower fixture;
• and
• a plurality of bolts arranged around the upper fixture and the lower fixture, wherein
• the plurality of bolts are configured to apply a mechanical load around the circumference of the upper fixture and the lower fixture,
• the upper fixture and the lower fixture comprises an opening facilitating a heat load to be applied to the test material, and
• the mechanical load and the heat load are applied simultaneously.