Tensile Properties of Thermally Exposed Type 304 Stainless Steel

Abstract

The influence of thermal exposure at 800, 1000, and 1200°F (427, 538 and 649°C) on the tensile properties of type 304 stainless steel has been experimentally determined. Specimens were exposed in static sodium for durations of 1000, 3500 and 10,000 hr. Tests were performed at room temperature and the respective exposure temperatures at nominal strain rates from 3 × 10−5 to 10 s−1. Exposure at temperatures to 1000°F (538°C) did not greatly alter the elevated temperature strength, ductility, or strain rate sensitivity of the subject material. At 1200°F (649°C) strength properties were unchanged by exposure at this temperature while ductility was increased at the lowest strain rate and slightly reduced at the higher rates. The room temperature strength was unchanged and ductility slightly reduced after exposure for 10,000 hr at each temperature.