SimPLE Lab: Simulating Planets Like Earth (Professors Neil Bennett & Xu Chu)
SimPLE Lab at the University of Toronto uses high temperature and pressure experimental techniques to recreate conditions on Earth and other planetary bodies. By accessing the high-temperatures and pressures associated with planetary interiors, we can study the physical and chemical processes that lead to the diverse planetary evolutions we observe. Recent experiments in the lab have been used to: constrain the diffusion of elements during metamorphic events, unravel the early stages of planet building, and understand how critical metals are concentrated in ore bodies.
Alongside questions in Earth Science, the equipment we maintain is also used for high temperature and pressure material syntheses, permitting investigations into novel materials with wide-ranging applications. We encourage collaboration and would be happy to discuss how the lab might benefit your project. For more information, please contact either neil.bennett@utoronto.ca or xu.chu@utoronto.ca.
Currently, we maintain the following high temperature and pressure equipment:
- High temperature bottom loading furnace; <1600 °C, ambient pressure
- High temperature gas-mixing furnace; <1600 °C, ambient pressure, fO2 control using CO-CO2 gas mixtures
- Piston-cylinder press; <2300 °C, <3 GPa
- FisherSci muffle furnace; <1050 °C, ambient pressure
- Multi-anvil press; <2300 °C, <6 GPa
We also maintain a variety of sample preparation and recovery equipment, including:
- ESI Micromill2
- Floor-standing and benchtop machine lathes
- PUK precision arc-welder with argon shield gas
- Oxy-acetylene torch with low-vacuum system for sealing evacuated silica glass ampules
- Wire saw
- Pillar Drill
- Foredom high-precision drill
