A new type of compact large-capacity press for neutron and x-ray scattering

Abstract

We present a new type of compact hydraulic press of 200 t capacity and 60 kg mass provided with two large openings of 140° (equatorial) x 60° (azimuthal) around the sample area. This device has been designed and optimized using finite element calculations, and was built and recently successfully tested. A smaller version with 50 tonnes capacity and 8 kg mass is also available. This ‘VX’ type Paris–Edinburgh press is expected to have numerous applications in neutron and X-ray scattering whenever large sample volumes (typically 1–100 mm³) are required, in particular for angle-dispersive powder neutron diffraction on reactor sources, single crystal neutron diffraction, and inelastic neutron and X-ray scattering.

Keywords:

• High pressure cell
• Neutron scattering
• Paris–Edinburgh press

We are grateful to Prof. D. Leguillon, N. Duru, L. Mollaret, H. Delreux and S. Amiable for their involvement in the Finite Element calculations, as well as R. J. Nelmes, J. S. Loveday and Th. Strässle for very helpful discussions. The authors dedicate this article to Michel with whom they shared a passion for mechanical engineering.