Tensile and Shear Properties of Several Solders at Cryogenic Temperatures

The tensile and shear properties of eight soft solders were determined at several loading rates at 78, −100, −320, and −423 F. In general it was found that the tensile and shear strengths increased with increase in loading rate and decrease in temperature. Large decreases in ductility, as measured by elongation and reduction in area, and decreased tensile and shear strengths for some of the solders at cryogenic temperatures are indicative of their low temperature embrittlement. A discussion of the experimental data and literature values is given and recommendations are made concerning the application of solders for cryogenic service.