What is creep and what causes it to occur?

Creep is the slow, time-dependent deformation of materials under sustained stress, typically occurring at high temperatures relative to the material's melting point. It is caused by the movement of dislocations and grain boundaries within the material's microstructure, influenced by factors such as temperature, stress levels, and the material's inherent properties. Commonly observed in metals and polymers, creep can lead to significant changes in shape and integrity over time, particularly in applications like turbine blades and structural components.