Continuum damage theory has proven to be an effective tool in creep damage simulation.In order to establish some mechanical principles for life extension of components at elevated temperature,a numerical scheme based on the localized creep damage theory is introduced.To illustrate the strength potential of structures for life extension,the method is first applied to a simple case of two-bar structure.Typical components of geometrical discontinuity,material discontinuity,and temperature inhomogenity are then analyzed.In terms of the damage distribution or life exhaustion of the components,some principles for life extension are proposed.