A strain energy density rate approach to the BEM analysis of creep fracture problemsA strain energy density rate approach to the BEM analysis of creep fracture problems Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2015-10-182006enThis paper explores the concept of strain energy density rate in relation to the crack initiation in fracture analysis problems arising in creeping cracked structural components. The analysis of the components is performed by using the boundary element methodology in association with the employment of singular boundary elements for the modeling of the crack tip region. The deformation of the material is assumed to be described by an elastic power law creep model. The strain energy density rate theory is applied to determine the direction of the crack initiation for a center cracked plate in tension which is subjected to Mode I loading conditionshttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Structural Durability and Health Monitoring1111-16 Providakis Konstantinos Προβιδακης Κωνσταντινος Building damage prevention Building protection Buildings--Damage prevention Protection of buildings buildings protection building damage prevention building protection buildings damage prevention protection of buildings