FURI | Spring 2022

Optimization of Compression Cell Geometry to Maximize Pressure Generation in Elastomers During Total Scattering Experiments via Finite Elements

Polyurea is an elastomer that has shown unique properties under large compressive stresses indicating that it may be a promising armor coating material. High-pressure testing at a synchrotron will utilize x-ray scattering to observe how the polyurea responds to large compressive stresses at the atomic level. For these tests, a high-pressure cell containing the sample must be designed with optimal geometries. This research project uses Ansys software to create multiple finite element analysis simulations to determine the optimal geometries for the aluminum gasket, diamond anvils, and the sample all within the high-pressure cell.