Answer
In medical imaging (like MRI), wave springs are often exposed to cryogenic temperatures. As temperature decreases, the Young's modulus $E$ of 302 Stainless Steel increases. For example, at $-320^{\circ}F$ (liquid nitrogen), $E$ can increase by approximately 5-10% compared to room temperature. Since the spring rate $k$ is directly proportional to $E$ ($k \propto E \cdot b \cdot t^3$), the spring will become significantly stiffer in cryogenic states. Furthermore, 302 SS may undergo a partial martensitic transformation at low temperatures, which can slightly increase its magnetic permeability. For MRI applications, non-magnetic materials or specifically processed 316 Stainless Steel are often used to avoid image distortion caused by magnetic field interference.
