Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steels
Room Temperature
In terms of mechanical properties, stainless steels can be roughly divided into four groups with similar properties within each group: martensitic and ferritic-martensitic, ferritic, ferritic-austenitic, austenitic. The difference in the mechanical properties of different stainless steels is perhaps seen most clearly in the stress-strain curves below.
Elevated Temperatures
At elevated temperatures the high temperature strength of various stainless steel groups varies. The service temperature for martensitic, ferritic and duplex stainless steels is generally more limited than the service temperature for austenitic stainless steels.