Figure 1 — Graph showing data for stainless steel testing.
The new testing capability opens up a new dimension in testing metals compatibility with oxygen. Recent test data show that the safe, no burn, region for metals is significantly reduced at elevated operating temperatures. The current safety margins designed into systems should be reexamined based on data that can now be obtained. NASA has tested stainless steel at temperatures up to 871°C (1600°F) and pressures up to 4.5 MPa (650 psig). This research revealed the safe-use pressure for stainless steel is reduced by about a factor of two at 538°C (1000°F) compared with room-temperature conditions. All metals examined thus far show the reduction in safe use pressure. Each metal appears to have its own safe use boundary.
