Tensile tests were conducted on several 9% nickel steel specimens, which are manufactured in accordance with ASTM A353 or ASTM A553 Type I respectively. Typical tensile properties including tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and reduction in area are presented in below table. The testing temperatures were ranging from room temperature (24°C) to cryogenic temperature (-269°C).

Tensile Properties of ASTM A353 9%-Ni Steel Plate

Test Temperature		Tensile Strength		Yield Strength		Elongation	Reduction in Area
°C	°F	MPa	ksi	MPa	ksi	%	%
24	75	780	113	680	98.6	28	70
-151	-240	1030	149	850	123	17	61
-196	-320	1190	172	950	138	25	58
-253	-423	1430	208	1320	192	18	43
-269	-452	1590	231	1430	208	21	59

*Heat treatment for the specimens – double normalized and tempered: held at 900°C [1650°F] 1 hour for each 25 mm of thickness, air cooled; 790°C (1450 °F) 1 hour for each 25 mm of thickness, air cooled; held at 570 °C (1050 °F) for 1 hour for each 25 mm of thickness, water quenched.

Tensile Properties of ASTM A553 Type I Plate

Test Temperature		Tensile Strength		Yield Strength		Elongation	Reduction in Area
°C	°F	MPa	ksi	MPa	ksi	%	%
24	75	770	112	695	101	27	69
-151	-240	995	144	885	128	18	42
-196	-320	1150	167	960	139	27	38

*Heat treatment for the specimens – quenched and tempered:  800 °C (1475 °F), water quenched; 570 °C (1050 °F) for 0.5 hour for each 25 mm of thickness, and subsequently water quenched.

The tabulated values in the two tables certify that tensile and yield strengths of 9% nickel alloy steel increase as temperature is decreased. The steel maintains excellent ductility at extremely low temperatures.