Abstract The apparatus includes an exponential horn tapering from a large end down to a small end. A copper plate is mounted against the large end of the horn and a magnetic hammer abuts the copper plate. The magnetic hammer and copper plate function to create a shock wave in the exponential horn. An anvil having a small pocket formed therein is mounted adjacent to the small end of the exponential horn so that the small end rests in the pocket. The anvil, horn and hammer are all secured together by bolts or other suitable means and, in operation, graphite is placed in the anvil pocket. The magnetic hammer generates a shock wave in the exponential horn and because of the horn shape, which is critical, the velocity of the shock wave is amplified and the shock wave energy concentrated so that all of the energy in the shock wave arrives simultaneously at the small end of the horn. This energy is transferred to the graphite in the anvil pocket and results in pressure and temperature levels that causes the graphite to be transformed, in part at least, to diamonds.
An apparatus utilizing electrical energy for generating and applying highly concentrated mechanical shock wave to a mass of material comprising: a supporting framework, an anvil mounted in said framework having a pocket formed therein for receiving the mass of material, an exponential horn mounted adjacent said anvil whose shape is determined by the equation y ceax, said horn having an enlarged end that tapers to a necked down end that fits into the pocket in the anvil, a plate mounted adjacent the tuned horn in a position such that one surface of the plate abuts the enlarged end of the horn, magnetic means mounted in abutting relation to the surface of said plate opposite that abutting said horn for generating opposite and repelling magnetic field forces in said magnetic means and said plate to result in a reaction that is transferred to the exponential horn and generates a shock wave that travels through and is concentrated and velocity amplified by said horn so that substantially all of the energy in the shock wave arrives simultaneously at the necked down end of the horn in contact with the material to be compressed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
191 words
An apparatus utilizing electrical energy for generating and applying highly concentrated mechanical shock wave to a mass of material comprising: a supporting framework, an anvil mounted in said framework having a pocket formed therein for receiving the mass of material, an exponential horn mounted adjacent said anvil whose shape is determined by the equation y ceax, said horn having an enlarged end that tapers to a necked down end that fits into the pocket in the anvil, a plate mounted adjacent the tuned horn in a position such that one surface of the plate abuts the enlarged end of the horn, magnetic means mounted in abutting relation to the surface of said plate opposite that abutting said horn for generating opposite and repelling magnetic field forces in said magnetic means and said plate to result in a reaction that is transferred to the exponential horn and generates a shock wave that travels through and is concentrated and velocity amplified by said horn so that substantially all of the energy in the shock wave arrives simultaneously at the necked down end of the horn in contact with the material to be compressed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus recited in claim 1 which further includes a layer of insulation positioned between said plate and said magnetic means to avoid electrical arcing therebetween during operation of the apparatus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus recited in claim 2 wherein the magnetic means includes: a magnetic hammer mounted so as to abut said plate, and an electrical discharge device connected to said magnetic hammer by electrical transmission lines.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus recited in claim 3 wherein said electrical discharge device is a capacitor bank and voltage source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus recited in claim 4 wherein said layer of insulation between said plate and said magnetic means is a thin plastic sheet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus recited in claim 5 wherein said plate is copper.