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Temperature capabilities of 304L stainless
Q. Not procuring hardware, just researching data for Space Shuttle return to flight.
Question - does 304L have good stability from -200 °F to +300 °F in the range where no real property values change for strength, ductility and other mechanical properties?
Support NASA - Houston, Texas
2005
A. You can find this data in DOT/FAA/AR-MMPDS-01 Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization (MMPDS). This document is the official replacement for MIL-HDBK-5J METALLIC MATERIALS AND ELEMENTS FOR AEROSPACE VEHICLE STRUCTURES. A Google search will show you where you can obtain this document (huge file, ~ 75 MB). Other good sources for mechanical property information are the stainless steel producer websites, especially AK Steel and Allegheny Ludlum.
Toby PadfieldAutomotive module supplier - Michigan
2005
2005
A. Yes it does.
But I hope that space shuttle reliability doesn't rely on public forum information - a lot of people make statements on subjects in which they have no expertise, and don't always prefix with "I know nothing about the subject but it seems to me that..." so you don't always know that their statements should be ignored.
Bill Reynolds [deceased]
consultant metallurgist - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
We sadly relate the news that Bill passed away on Jan. 29, 2010.
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Ed. note: In a world of hackers and anonymity, it can be even worse than that, Bill. Many internet postings are from fictitious names and a few even contain deliberately harmful suggestions.
But Toby has provided an excellent example of how they can serve as a tremendously helpful shortcut for things to watch out for, and where to find authoritative information.
A. Toby, MMPDS doesn't specifically cover 304L, although it does have a few pages of information on 300 series in general. Don, the source you want to look at is the Aerospace Structural Metals Handbook, which DOES have an extensive amount of information on 304 and 304L, and is used for design.
Lee Gearhart
metallurgist - E. Aurora, New York
2005
A. Lee,
Figure 2.7.1.1.1(a) and (b) of DOT/FAA/AR-MMPDS-01 both specifically reference AISI 304L. Obviously the Aerospace Structural Metals Handbook has more extensive data on the subject, but I wanted to cite something that was easily available.
Don,
We all agree that you need to work closely with a qualified engineer/metallurgist on issues related to materials selection for aerospace applications like the Space Shuttle. Best of luck on your project.
Automotive module supplier - Michigan
2005
Thanks, Bill, Toby, and Lee!
This page now both warns of the danger of using an internet public forum wrong, while giving an actual outstanding example of how helpful it can be when used right :-)
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
March 2022
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