Abstract: A Z-parameter method is used to evaluate the damage process of HK40 austenitic steel. By using Z-parameter based on the Larson-Miller method, the nonlinear master curve of the log stress vs Larson-Miller parameter P can be expressed as: P=27.74-3.4lgσ-0.032σ, and a family of curves parallel to the master curve can be written as: P=(27.74-Z)-3.4lgσ-0.032σ, where Z represents the magnitude of the deviation from the master curve. According to the creep rupture data both from different segments of a serviced tube and from the same segment locations with different service time, the value of parameter Z has close relationship with the deterioration of creep rupture properties. The damage state of the samples is evaluated by monitoring the changes in natural frequency f and Young0s modulus E, and the relationships between Z and the damage parameters are discussed.

Key words: Damage evaluation, Creep rupture, Austenitic steel, Z-parameter