The strength of diamond
Abstract
Diamond is the hardest known material; however, its mechanical stability, in particular the yield strength σy, is not known. We report reproducible generation of plastic deformation of diamond at room and low temperatures. We determined σy=130-140GPa by measuring the pressure distribution over the diamond anvils and by using the theory of elasticity. Yielding in diamond is accompanied by a strong luminescence with a characteristic spectrum. Our findings may be used to extend the static pressure limit beyond the current value of about 300GPa(3Megabars).
- Publication:
-
Applied Physics Letters
- Pub Date:
- October 2005
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2005ApPhL..87n1902E
- Keywords:
-
- 81.40.Lm;
- 62.20.Fe;
- 81.40.Jj;
- 62.20.Dc;
- 78.55.Hx;
- 81.40.Np;
- 62.20.Qp;
- Deformation plasticity and creep;
- Deformation and plasticity;
- Elasticity and anelasticity stress-strain relations;
- Elasticity elastic constants;
- Other solid inorganic materials;
- Fatigue corrosion fatigue embrittlement cracking fracture and failure;
- Tribology and hardness
