Comparison of strength and serration at cryogenic temperatures among 304L, 316L and 310S steels

Abstract

Tensile tests of 310S steel were performed at temperatures below 300 K and the yield strength and deformation behavior were compared with those of 304L and 316L steels. Computer simulations were also carried out to graph stress-elongation curves in order to discuss the effects of martensitic transformations induced during deformation on their strengths and deformation behavior at low temperatures. Tensile tests showed that yield strength of 310S steel is highest and that of 304L is lowest. The differences in yield strengths between 316L and 310S steels and between 304L and 316L steels are larger than those expected from the differences in solid solution strengthening. This can be explained by the effect of the strain through γ to ε martensitic transformation induced by elastic stress in 304L and 316L steels. The strength level and the shape of stress-elongation curves at cryogenic temperatures excluding serration can be qualitatively revealed by simulation when higher strength of ε phase comparing to α' phase and the window effect of α' were considered simultaneously. In liquid hydrogen, the three steels exhibit large serrations on the stress-elongation curves after the deformation near to the ultimate stress, while the curves are smooth before the onset of the serration. Such serrations in liquid hydrogen could not be revealed by simulation. © 2008 American Institute of Physics.