Stress computation and optimizing the shape of a miniature opposed anvil through finite element analysis

We have demonstrated stress computation of high-pressure apparatus to obtain effective pressure with a miniature opposed anvil cell. The anvils and the gasket were assumed to be made of tungsten carbide (WC) and of stainless steel (SUS 304), respectively. The pressure medium was presumed to be liquid to generate hydrostatic pressure. Considering cell thickness, we set the anvil radius to approximately 6 mm phi. In order to keep a large space with a diameter of 1 mm phi, the diameter of 3 mm phi was fixed on the tip of anvils. Using the stresses found in the analysis, we evaluated the anvil in terms of pressure efficiency and fragility. Calculating pressure in the sample space between anvils and the maximum differential stress of an anvil, we found that the best pressurization efficiency and lowest fragility was achieved with an anvil structure with an angle theta of 15 degrees and height h of 5 mm.