Optimisation of toroidal ZTA anvils and gaskets; towards improved load and pressure performance

ABSTRACT

We have modified zirconia-toughened alumina anvil geometry and systematically varied single-toroidal, encapsulated, Ti–Zr gasket dimensions, exploring the resulting effects on pressure and maximum load performance, which have been measured using a Paris–Edinburgh press. Reducing the curvature and depth of the recess at the rear of the anvil appears to permit repeated use of the anvils to higher loads, and a general trend indicates that thinner Ti–Zr gaskets may achieve higher pressures than thicker alternatives.

KEYWORDS:

• Paris–Edinburgh Press
• neutrons
• anvil
• gasket

Acknowledgments

We thank Colin Offer for assistance in the design process of the anvils and gaskets and we are grateful to the Science and Technology Facilities Council for access to the PEARL instrument.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).