TAPLVS (Tri-Axial Press Large Volume System) Hydraulic Press

TAPLVS (Tri-Axial Press Large Volume System) Hydraulic Press

Invention Summary

This invention is related to a frame for a press apparatus for selectively applying a tri-axial load to a sample material. The frame can provide advantages over existing press apparatus designs. The frame has a longitudinal axis and includes a bottom support assembly, a top support as­sembly, and first and second pairs of op­posed lateral support assemblies. Each lateral support assembly is selectively at­tachable to the bottom and the top sup­port assemblies. In addition, each lateral support assembly is selectively detachable from at least one of the bottom and the top sup­port assemblies to permit access to an in­terior space defined by the top, bottom, and lateral support assemblies.

Market Opportunity

Current large-volume presses at synchrotron x-ray beamlines are typically equipped with DIA-type anvil modules (e.g., DIA-type cubic anvil modules) to perform quasi-hydrostatic pressure or with deformation-DIA (D-DIA) to simulate deviatoric stresses under high pressures. Current large-volume devices typically study the effect of stress on materials within the range of 3-30 GPa, however, these high­ pressure setups with uniaxial loading allow for very limited monitoring and detecting techniques due to constrained access windows. There is a need in the art for high pressure experimental neutron science systems that, provide comprehensively integrated technologies to tackle multiple scientific issues, a large-volume tri-axial press apparatus that provides large access windows for improved access and visibility without using conventional bulky frames that are made of low-strength casting steel and steel blocks.

Features and Benefits     

- It is contemplated that the disclosed frame can provide for true tri-axial loading, thereby allowing stress fields to be fully implemented and controlled at high pressure.

- It is further contemplated that the disclosed frame can provide large access windows

- Features are critical to neutron diffraction/radiography (tomography) optics for large sample volumes and far field detectors.

- Essential for the integration of multiple probes, such as stress-strain, calorimetric, acoustic, optical, and electro-magnetic measurement probes.

Intellectual Property

Published International PCT Patent Application: No. WO 2016/209855