Finite-element analysis on performance and shear stress of cemented tungsten carbide anvils used in the China-type cubic-anvil high-pressure apparatus

Stress distribution in cemented tungsten carbide (WC) anvils is of primary interest in high pressure research, but is very difficult to determine experimentally. We have performed finite-element simulations to study the performance and the shear stress distribution of WC anvils used in the China-type cubic-anvil high pressure apparatus (SPD-6×2000). Our results show that in order to avoid failure cracks in high-stress areas, the maximum shear stress should be lower than 3.17 GPa for the WC anvils (8% cobalt). The simulations have been verified by high-pressure experiments. Our method of analyzing stress distribution helps in evaluating the ability of WC anvils, and would aid in designing a new anvil to enhance performance.