Within the Center for High Pressure Research the "Girdle Anvil Press" is similar to the very first pressure machine designed by GE to model synthetic diamonds. This occured in the 1950's. It was so technologically advanced for its time that it was able to create diamonds from peanut butter.
Figure 1: The Girdle Module in the Harwood Press
Produced in Japan, the "Sumitomo Press" has the capability to exert two thousand tons of force. Upon installation, this massive-sized press was lowered through the High Pressure Center's ceiling. Note: this press is easy to find not only because of its enormous girth, but its fire-truck red color.
Figure 2: The Sumitomo Module and Press
The Kennedy Press is capable of producing 1,000 tons of pressure. It is similar to the Sumitomo Press, but smaller. We will be using the Kennedy Press in our experiment to turn graphite into diamonds. This machine is sometimes used for long term experiments because it is in less demand than the Sumitomo Press.
Figure 3: The Walker High Pressure Module in the Kennedy Press
Anvils are made of tungsten carbide. They are used for high pressure experiments to apply pressure to the samples. After an anvil is used it contains residual stress and it may fragment spontaneously (explode) at any time. Each anvil is in the shape of a cube. Each anvil may be used up to eight times.
Figure 4: The Anvil Graveyard
Through Project WISE this group of students will have the opportunity to explore effects of high pressure and temperature on graphite. Hopefully, the product of this experiment will result in the production of diamonds. Pictured with the students is the group project leader, Glenn Richard. You ar invited to look at the report created after completion of this project
Figure 5: A candid photo of the group.