The Mechanical and material properties of 316LN austenitic stainless steel for the fusion application in cryogenic temperatures

Due to the constant increase of claims for all materials used in superconducting magnets in "magnetic fusion reactors", the article deals with the possibilities of increasing the mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel tested at cryogenic conditions that ensure the transport of Helium to magnets. The aim of the experimental plan was to increase the mechanical properties of the steel grade 316LN tested at 4.2K from the original value Steel A: YS = 1045 MPa, UTS = 1528 MPa, A = 33% to the value of YS = 1204 MPa,UTS = 1642 MPa, A = 34% and Steel B: YS = 1173 MPa, UTS = 1541 MPa, A = 28% to the value of YS = 1351 MPa, UTS = 1645 MPa, A = 17%. The increase in mechanical properties of the steel grade under examination has been made by means of heat processing in the conditions of annealing: Th1 = 625 ° C / th1 = 696 h. The mechanical properties of steel were evaluated using static tension tests at 4,2 K. The samples were placed in a cryostat filled with liquid helium. Except for the mechanical properties, there were also evaluated structural changes depending on the conditions of heat processing by light optical microscopy and EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction). ... mehrThe increase of steel properties used in low temperatures was achieved by heat processing.