AbstractA sound, mechanics based approach, using the reference stress concept, has been provided to allow the effects of volume ratio, fibre aspect ratio, and fibre spacing on the creep behaviour of uniaxial metal matrix composites to be quickly assessed. It is shown that fibres are much more effective than particles in reducing creep deformations. In addition, volume ratio and fibre aspect ratio have a large effect on creep properties, while fibre spacing has a relatively small effect. The existence of cracks at the ends of fibres is shown to reduce seriously the effectiveness of the reinforcement. The creep properties for loading in transverse directions are much lower than for loading in longitudinal directions.MST/2059