Abstract: A method for forging, or hot working bulk ceramics, including high temperature superconductors and other sensitive materials, under precisely controlled conditions of pressure, temperature, atmospheric composition, and strain rate. A capsule with massive end plates and with an independent gas supply is located in a modified hot isostatic press (HIP), designed to operate at pressures of up to 200 MPa and at temperatures of up to 1000 C. Essentially uniaxial deformation of a pre-compacted disc with forces of up to 500,000 Newtons (50 tons), and over time scales from seconds to hours can be achieved by separately controlling the pressure in the capsule from that of its surroundings. The separate gas supply to the capsule can also maintain a specified gaseous atmosphere around the disc, up to the operating pressure of the equipment. The apparatus can be designed to tolerate oxygen concentrations of up to 20%.

Abstract: Apparatus and procedures are presented for forging, or hot working bulk ceramics, including high temperature superconductors and other sensitive materials, under precisely controlled conditions of pressure, temperature, atmospheric composition, and strain rate. A capsule with massive end plates and an independent gas supply is located in a modified hot isostatic press (HIP). Essentially uniaxial deformation of a pre-compacted disc with forces of up to 500,000 Newtons (50 tons) and at temperatures of up to 1000 C. can be achieved. The separate gas supply to the capsule can maintain a specified gaseous atmosphere around the disc, up to the operating pressure of the HIP. The apparatus is designed to tolerate partial oxygen pressures of up to 20%.