Artificial Effects on Cryogenic Fracture Toughness of the Main Structural Alloy for the Super Light Weight Tank

Abstract

At Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), a new aging technique has been developed that can significantly enhance the cryogenic fracture toughness (CFT) of Alloy 2195, as well as reducing the statistical spread of fracture toughness values. This technique improves cryogenic properties by promoting T 1 nucleation and growth in the matrix, so that T 1 nucleation and growth can be suppressed in the subgrain boundaries. It also minimizes mechanical property scatter due to unavoidable variations in thermomechanical processing parameters and alloy chemistry.