Investigation of the tensile properties of solid mercury and a comparison with those of other metals at low temperatures

Abstract

The mechanical properties of metals at temperatures approaching their melting points present a field of investigation which has not yet been adequately explored. Experimental procedure will vary according to the melting point of the metal. With the exception of mercury, all metals have a melting point considerably above atmospheric temperature. Mercury, however, freezes at —39⋅7° C and, on this account, it is comparatively easy to carry out tension tests at temperatures close to the melting point. The present investigation deals with the strength of mercury under such conditions and a comparison is made with several other metals and alloys at similar temperatures, namely, from 17° C to —130° C.