A study of operational characteristics and stress distribution in a large volume hexahedral apparatus has been made. Pyrophyllite containers with integral preformed gaskets were found to be superior to plain blocks. Pregasketing reduced material flow and sample deformation, increased by over 100 percent the central region of the container over which little or no deformation occurs, and greatly increased anvil life. Even so, large pressure gradients still existed within the container. These gradients become more severe the higher the pressure. Pressure efficiency and distribution were appreciably changed by varying the length and thickness of preformed gaskets. Built-in metal intensifiers increased pressure efficiency by up to 30 percent. The inclusion of a metal heater tube had no measurable influence on pressure gradients. Cycling decreased the applied load required to reach a given pressure only if the load was not allowed to fall below a certain minimum. This is attributed to the ability of pyrophyllite to remain static while supporting large stress gradients.
Sandstone dikes in dolerite sills: Evidence for high-pressure gradients and sediment mobilization during solidification of magmatic sheet intrusions in sedimentary basins
