An Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Behavior of Type-304 Stainless Steel at Cryogenic Temperatures

Hang Thi Pham; Thong Chung Nguyen

doi:10.15282/ijame.22.4.2025.13.0990

Authors

Hang Thi Pham Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Thuyloi University, 175 Tay Son, Kim Lien, Hanoi, Vietnam
Thong Chung Nguyen Faculty of Engineering, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Gia Lam, Hanoi, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.22.4.2025.13.0990

Keywords:

Austenitic stainless steel, Cryogenic temperature, Martensitic transformation, Mechanical properties, Tensile test

Abstract

An investigation of the mechanical behavior of AISI 304 steel at cryogenic temperatures, including the effects of plastic deformation–induced phase transformation, is essential for optimizing its use in deep cryogenic engineering applications. In this research, tensile experiments on AISI 304 steel were conducted at ambient and cryogenic temperatures using a liquid nitrogen setup, with various strain rates applied under quasi-static. The influence of heat treatment, strain rate, and testing temperature on the mechanical behavior is examined. The obtained results indicate a negative rate sensitivity in both ultimate strength and ductility of the steel under quasi-static conditions at room temperature, with heat treatment improving strength at low strain rates and significantly enhancing ductility at higher strain rates. Stress-strain behavior at cryogenic temperatures differs markedly from that at room temperature. The material exhibits secondary hardening and an increase in ultimate strength from 600 MPa at room temperature to about 1200 MPa at cryogenic temperatures. Meanwhile, the ductility remains largely unchanged at higher strain rates. XRD and microscopic examination indicate the presence of both austenite and martensite phases at room temperature, but at cryogenic temperatures, the austenite completely transforms into -martensite in areas of significant plastic deformation. This -martensitic transformation is crucial for enhancing strain hardening and ultimate strength at low temperatures. Importantly, the martensitic phase evolution does not increase hardness or reduce ductility, thereby improving the fracture characteristics of SUS304 steel at cryogenic conditions.

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