Innovative setup for cryogenic mechanical testing of high-strength metallic alloys

Abstract

Mechanical properties of two high-strength metallic alloys, fabricated using additive manufacturing (AM) technology, were characterised down to − 269 °C. A test setup has been developed to accommodate the specific sample geometry and manufacturing conditions for these tests. Tensile, compression, pin-bearing, and shear tests were performed at room temperature, − 73 °C, − 196 °C, and − 269 °C. Test equipment and fixtures were designed and optimized to survive the test loads up to 100 kN at low temperatures. Instrumentation for strain, temperature, and displacement was also carefully chosen to record the specimen behaviour and apply the test requirements. The KRP cryo apparatus provided fast cooling and temperature stability during the entire duration of testing. In this paper, we describe the design of the test apparatus, the challenges in development and some results of test runs.