ASTM E139 describes test methods for running constant-tensile-load creep and rupture-type tests on metallic materials at constant temperature, including key requirements for the test equipment and what to report.
These long-duration elevated-temperature tests are commonly used to support material selection, product qualification, and life-assessment decisions for components that must carry load for extended periods in service. If you need help determining whether your application calls for creep strain measurement versus time-to-rupture data, talk with our team.
ASTM E139 — Standard Test Methods for Conducting Creep, Creep-Rupture, and Stress-Rupture Tests of Metallic Materials
ASTM E139 is a metallic-materials elevated-temperature mechanical testing standard focused on constant-load tensile testing over time. It covers both creep deformation measurements and rupture-based endpoints (time to rupture) under steady temperature conditions.
The standard also emphasizes reporting details because long tests can be difficult to repeat and results can vary when different procedures are used.
Quick definition
Standard type: Standard test methods.
In simple terms: A controlled, constant-tensile-load test at constant temperature used to measure creep strain versus time and/or time to rupture for metallic materials.
What it helps you decide: How a metal carries load over long times at elevated temperature—either by limiting deformation (creep) or by assessing rupture life (creep-rupture / stress-rupture).
What This Standard Covers
ASTM E139 covers (1) creep testing, where deformation is tracked as a function of time, and (2) rupture-type testing, where time to rupture is measured when the applied force is high enough to cause fracture during the test period.
It is written for constant tensile forces at constant temperature and includes essential requirements for testing equipment and the information expected in test reports.
Not included: Notched-specimen rupture testing (addressed separately in ASTM E292) and short-time elevated-temperature tension testing (addressed separately in ASTM E21).
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
For many high-temperature components, short tensile tests do not capture the damage mechanisms that develop under sustained stress. ASTM E139 supports decision-making where time-at-temperature is the controlling factor.
Rupture results are commonly used to compare long-term load-carrying ability as a function of time, while creep results are used when allowable deformation (strain) is the limiting criterion. The choice between the two depends on the service design basis.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
ASTM E139 applies broadly to metallic materials evaluated in tension under sustained load at elevated temperature. Typical use cases include materials and products intended for long-term, load-bearing service where creep deformation and/or rupture life must be characterized.
Common application areas: High-temperature structural components, pressure-retaining parts, and other load-bearing metallic systems where time-dependent deformation or rupture is a design consideration.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
While the detailed procedure is defined in the purchased standard, an ASTM E139 workflow commonly includes: selecting a test temperature and constant tensile load condition, running the test for the planned duration (or until rupture), and reporting the results with enough detail to interpret and compare data across procedures.
Common outputs: Creep strain versus time (including creep behavior over the test duration) and/or time-to-rupture under the specified constant-load and constant-temperature condition.
Procurement tip: Because creep and rupture tests can run for long periods, equipment selection often hinges on temperature stability, load constancy, multi-station capacity, and the level of strain measurement and data logging required for your reporting needs.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
ASTM E139 testing typically points to a dedicated creep / stress-rupture test system designed to maintain constant tensile force and constant specimen temperature over long durations.
Common equipment elements: Constant-load tensile creep frames (often dead-weight/lever-arm style or equivalent constant-load systems), high-temperature furnaces sized for the specimen and grips, temperature sensing/control hardware, appropriate high-temperature grips and load train components, and a data acquisition system for time history and (when required) strain measurement.
Common measurement accessories: High-temperature extensometry or displacement measurement suitable for long-duration exposure, plus recording for test temperature, applied load condition, and elapsed time. System configuration can vary depending on whether the focus is creep deformation measurement, time-to-rupture, or both.
If you are comparing frame capacities, furnace temperature range, station count, or high-temperature extensometry options, you can request a detailed quote for a configuration matched to your test plan and reporting requirements.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
Designation: ASTM E139.
Revision format: ASTM commonly publishes an active revision with a suffix year (for example, E139-24). When a specific edition is cited in a contract, specification, or audit requirement, the exact year/version can affect procedural and reporting expectations.
Units note: For ASTM E139, inch-pound units are stated as the standard units, with SI values shown as informational conversions.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks when useful
ASTM E139 explicitly points users to other ASTM methods for test situations outside its scope, including notched-specimen time-for-rupture testing and short-time elevated-temperature tension testing. When interpreting requirements, it is common to confirm whether your program is an E139 constant-load long-duration test or whether another ASTM method is the better fit for the target failure mode or time scale.
Get help selecting an ASTM E139 creep / rupture test setup
When you share your target temperature range, load levels, expected test duration, and whether you need continuous creep strain measurement or rupture-only endpoints, we can help narrow down a practical equipment and instrumentation package—request pricing and configuration options by asking for a quote.