Note: Carbon fiber composite arrow shaft as cryogenic structural support material

The thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, and bending stiffness of a carbon fiber archery arrow shaft were measured in order to determine if it would be a good material to use as a structural support in a cryogenic environment. It shows promise because of its thin cross section and structural rigidity. The thermal conductivity of the material was measured from 0.1 K to 1 K to be $$ , which is on the order of other thermal insulating materials used at cryogenic temperatures. The electrical resistivity is 0.044 Ω cm at 0.2 K, and the bending stiffness is 243 N m² at room temperature. The shafts were machined to reduce overall thermal conductance. The reduction in thermal resistivity was calculated, and the change in stiffness was measured after shafts were machined. The shafts were used to form a support structure for an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator. The heat load was then calculated. The carbon fiber arrow shaft provides an outstanding, thermal insulating support structure.