The yield strength of molybdenum under pressure and temperature

Abstract

Knowledge of the elastic properties of materials under high pressures and temperatures is important in planetary science as well as giving a more comprehensive understanding of material properties in general. Molybdenum was subjected to pressures of 20 GPa and temperatures of 423 K. In situ measurements of the pressure variation across molybdenum were combined with interference measurements of the gasket thickness under ambient conditions. This allowed for the determination of the yield strength of molybdenum under extreme conditions. The results indicate that molybdenum’s yield strength increases from 0 GPa to 20 GPa and decreases from 293 K to 423 K.