Official Answer
Answer
A-286 (ASTM A453) is an iron-base superalloy that maintains exceptional ductility and impact strength at cryogenic temperatures (down to $-423^°F$). Unlike standard 300-series stainless steels, A-286 does not undergo a phase transformation to martensite when cold worked or cooled, which prevents the material from becoming magnetic and brittle. For wave springs in LNG valves or aerospace liquid oxygen systems, A-286 provides a stable spring rate and high fatigue resistance. The material is typically aged at $1325^°F$ to precipitate the Ni3(Al, Ti) phase, resulting in a yield strength of approximately 100 ksi at room temperature, which actually increases at cryogenic temperatures.
