I am trying to apply a compression force to samples using air. I do not want to directly apply my loading since my samples are irregular. I do not wish to process them with a flattening step. I hope to use fluid and pressure to get a single compression force with even distribution across the surface. In the left example I have a spacer that has a negligible poisson's ratio so i will neglect expansion orthogonal to the applied pressure. In the right hand example I would have pressure on the side correct?
Based on the cartoon below I am hopping to have the pressurization of the air transfer to the samples. Assume the vessel is air tight with the exception of the flow restriction to control pressure levels.
Can I make this assumption?