New Shear Apparatus for Temperatures of 1000°C and Pressures of 50 Kilobars

Abstract

A new shear press capable of simultaneous pressures and temperatures of 50 kbar and 1000°C incorporates a 5‐kW high frequency induction heater, 300‐ton hydraulic jack, ½‐hp motor, and 3‐pinion gear train for strain rates of 0.01–10 rph, and tungsten carbide ball‐type anvils faced to diameters of ¼‐1 in. The press, designed to simulate earth depths of 30–200 km, determines shear strength, viscosity, and internal friction data for rock and mineral samples of lower crust and upper mantle composition under geophysically realistic conditions of high temperature and pressure.