Properties at Cryogenic Temperatures of Stainless Steel Tubes

The austenitic stainless steel tubes remain tough and ductile to very low temperatures. Metals such as iron and constructional steel undergo a marked decrease in ductility at lower temperature.

Common Cryogenic Temperatures:EnvironmentDegrees CDegrees FBoiling Helium– 268.6– 454Boiling Hydrogen– 252.5– 418Freezing Nitrogen– 209.9– 346Boiling Nitrogen– 195.8– 319Boiling Methane– 164.0– 265Solid Carbon Dioxide– 78.5– 108Boiling Freon 12– 29.8– 22Water as ice0.032

Effect of Temperature on Modulus of Elasticity: Stainless SteelRoom Temp. Tensile – ksiDegrees CDegrees F Room Temp.At -196øC301 Stainless Steel10625.4 x 10-628.6 x 10-6302 Stainless Steel8826.227.2304 Stainless Steel8724.426.2347 Stainless Steel9523.327.6

Mechanical Properties at Cryogenic Temperatures: Strength by Alloy Listed in ksiMaterial Grade301302304304L310S3163213470øCYield4242382835404040Tensile160120115988890100100Elong.60%50%60%58%50%68%58%60%Charpy keyhole notch in ft. lb.393437–38353229 301302304304L3105316321347-40øCYield4443403040454545Tensile18013513511594105120115Elong.40%58%55%55%70%67%55%58%Charpy keyhole notch in ft. lb.–––––––– 301302304304L3105316321347-78øCYield5058453548575050Tensile162164165138110120138136Elong.52%52%48%50%78%65%53%52%Charpy keyhole notch in ft. lb.212726–30262523 301302304304L3105316321347-168øCYield6262554062735850Tensile210210208175140160185180Elong.44%43%42%44%90%61%47%45%Charpy keyhole notch in ft. lb.5.59.5211624192219 301302304304L3105316321347-196øCYield5562574575806052Tensile275225225192151180211195Elong.30%40%38%42%93%19%22%19%Charpy keyhole notch in ft. lb.–––––––– 301302304304L3105316321347-253øCYield–62695096936865Tensile–258250220180230248230Elong.–38%27%41%71%55%34%–Charpy keyhole notch in ft. lb.–––19––––

Source: wilsonpipeline Pipe Industry Co., Limited (www.wilsonpipeline.com)