Mechanical behavior of 18 Ni 200 grade maraging steel at cryogenic temperatures

A comprehensive study was conducted to characterize the mechanical behavior of 18 Ni 200 grade maraging steel for cryogenic applications in the National Transonic Facility. Tensile, fatigue, impact, and fracture toughness properties were determined at room and cryogenic temperatures. Experimental variables included product form, specimen orientation, and variation in metallurgical condition accomplished with a grain refining heat treatment. Room temperature tensile yield strength was approximately 200 ksi, while the yield strength at -275 F was approximately 260 ksi. Charpy V-notch energy absorption values and fracture toughness values of 18 Ni steel were found to be dependent on temperature, product form, orientation, and metallurgical condition. Fracture toughness values ranged from 80 to 113 ksi-sq rt in. at room temperature and from 67 to 90 ksi-sq rt in. at -275 F. The results of this study indicate that 18 Ni 200 grade maraging steel exceeds the strength criterion of 150 ksi minimum yield strength for use in cryogenic wind tunnel models but is marginal with respect to the 85 ksi sq rt in fracture toughness criterion at -275 F.