Mechanical properties of the high-strength steel 07Kh16N6 at low temperatures

Steel 07Kh16N6, which has good strength and stable ductile properties in the temperature range from room temperature to −253°C, is a promising material for cryogenic technology. However, when it is used in the mentioned temperature range, the following must be taken into account: a) If there are external mechanical stress raisers leading to a state of volumetric stress in the zone of the stress raiser and to increased principal stress σ1 at the apex of the stress raiser within the limits KT=3–4, the lower temperature limit of the use of this steel has to be −196°C; b) when there are no external mechanical stress raisers, steel 07Kh16N6 may be used at the temperature of −253°C on the condition that the theoretical stresses were determined according to test results at −196°C.