When a metal supports a heavy load at high temperatures it may undergo?

When a metal supports a heavy load at high temperatures, it may undergo a phenomenon known as creep. Creep is the gradual deformation of the metal over time due to the application of stress, which becomes more pronounced at elevated temperatures. This can lead to permanent shape changes or failure of the material if the load and temperature exceed its mechanical limits. Proper material selection and design considerations are crucial in high-temperature applications to mitigate creep effects.