Pressure derivatives of elastic moduli of fused quartz to 10 kb

Measurements of the longitudinal and shear moduli were made on fused quartz to 10 kb at 24·5°C. The anomalous behavior of the bulk modulus K at low pressure, ∂K∂P< 0">∂K∂P< 0, begins to approach the “normal” behavior of solids, ∂K∂P> 0">∂K∂P> 0, at higher pressures. The pressure derivative of the rigidity modulus ∂G∂P">∂G∂P remains constant and negative for the pressure range covered.

A 15-kb hydrostatic pressure vessel is described for use with ultrasonic pulse instrumentation for precise measurements of elastic moduli and density changes with pressure. The placing of the transducer outside the pressure medium, and the use of C-ring pressure seals result in ease of operation and simplicity of design.