Cryogenic CTE for Steels?

[jkratner]

Where can I find plots of CTE vs temperature for different hardnesses of 301 and 321 Stainless Steels at cryogenic temperatures? I need plots for temperatures down to -420 degrees Celsius.

 

[AlanD]

-420 degrees celcius, is a little bit low. I think you've made a typographical error.

 

[jkratner]

Sorry, I meant -420 F not C!

 

[BLN]

I would be surprised if any one has any test data for CTE of stainless steel that close to absolute zero. I only know of 2 fluids go that cold and I assume since you're in aerospace, your fluid is LH2.

Marshall Space Flight Center, being the propulsion directorate, might have information that could help you. I know they have done extensive testing with LOX, but I'm not sure of information dealing with LH2, because of the explosive hazards associated. They have a website. The dealings I've had with the people in their metallics branch, they are very helpful.

 

If you have not found a sastisfactory value, you might check the data compiled by the cryogenics group at NIST.

http://cryogenics.nist.gov/

There is a link to materials properties data (Themal Conductivity, Specific Heat & Linear Expansion) at cryogenic temperatures for commonly used materials. There is also a copy of a paper describing the database project and its use under publications.

 

I use a materials database with temperature dependent properties, it not free but its fairly comprehensive. try

http://www.jahm.com