Mechanical Testing at Cryogenic Temperatures

Materials operating in low-temperature service must retain suitable properties including elongation, yield, and tensile strength and ductility. Element offers a full range of mechanical testing services on advanced materials at cryogenic temperatures to ensure they perform as expected in these extreme conditions. 

The energy sector is continually exploring new materials with better performing chemical properties and laboratories are challenged to develop new test methods on these demanding materials, which includes testing at very low temperatures. 

With one of the most comprehensive ranges of materials testing services, we have the experience and expertise in mechanical testing with the use of low cryogenic fluids in providing thermal environments as low as 4° Kelvin (-268 °C/-450 °F). 

From specimen design and prototyping to test plan development and engineering analysis, Element delivers high quality, reliability and optimum performance of materials operating in low temperatures to Aerospace and Energy clients across Europe. 

Cryogenic testing capabilities

Our state-of-the-art laboratories utilize the latest testing facilities and equipment to carry out cryogenic testing in Helium, cooled down to as low as 4.7K, as well as to accommodate other cryogenic fluids including liquid hydrogen (LH2), liquid nitrogen (LN2) and liquid natural gas (LNG). 

We can evaluate and test such materials as austenitic stainless steels, steel alloys, aluminum alloys, composites and Al-Li alloys. Using our most advanced computer systems, we are able to monitor control rooms and equipment for seat leakage, temperature, oxygen, and pressure. 

Cryogenic testing services at 4K (-268 °C/-450 °F)

• Mechanical Fracture Toughness 
• Fatigue Testing
• Tensile Testing
• Charpy Impact Testing
• Fatigue Crack Growth Rate (FCGR)
• Surface Crack Tip (SCT)
• Hoop Tensile (on Composites)
• Hoop Compression (on Composites)
• Radial Compression (on Composites)
• Shear (on Composites)
• Transversal Tension (on Composites)
• Fatigue Curve under tension (on Composites)
• Fatigue Under Compression (on Composites)
• Fatigue Under Shear (on Composites)

Our cryogenic testing services not only assure high performance of your materials but also help you optimize costs, improve operational safety, and reduce environmental impact in even the most challenging operating conditions. 

Mechanical testing at cryogenic temperatures and safety

As cryogenic testing operations create potentially hazardous test conditions, safety is of paramount importance at all times. Our highly skilled engineers utilize specialist testing areas equipped with the latest in safety protection to eliminate all hazards. We operate our stringent cryogenic testing programs in compliance with health and safety rules, regulations, and industry standards.  

For more information about our cryogenic testing services, or to request a quote, contact us today.