Material Science and Engineering

Cryogenic Behavior of Austenitic Stainless Steel in High Magnetic Fields

Graduate research project exploring the mechanical and microstructural responses of non-magnetic austenitic stainless steels (316, 316L, 316LN) at cryogenic temperature (4.2K) inside an 8T magnetic field.

Methods

To begin the investigation of our material of interest in the specified conditions, we must resurrect a dinosaur. An 8 Tesla magnet manufactured in 1987. Does it even still work? Tough questions to answer without a test run to validate. This is the product. The picture below is a recreated CAD model from a physical prototype.

superconducting magnet lab
liquid nitrogen dewar

Results & Microstructures

Representative micrographs and setup imagery.

Experiment Walkthrough

Short visual overview of the cryogenic test stand and magnet integration.

Key Findings (Preview)

  • Enhanced strain-induced martensite at 20 K compared with 77 K.
  • Field-on loading modestly shifts yield in 304L; 316L less sensitive.
  • Texture sharpening observed via EBSD after cryo-cycling.
  • Magnetization curves indicate weak ferromagnetic signatures post-deformation.

Publications & Data

Preprints, posters, and data packages will be posted here upon embargo lift.

  • Preprint: Cryogenic magneto-mechanical response of 304L/316L (in prep).
  • Poster: EBSD texture evolution at 20 K.
  • Dataset: Stress–strain raw files and EBSD *.ctf maps (planned).

u00a9 2026 materials research