A Short History of High Pressure Technology From Bridgman to Division 3

Abstract

This paper will briefly review the development of high pressure technology from the early basic science through the major applications that have driven the technology. These include gun barrel development, the polyethylene process, and isostatic pressing and crystal growth. A parallel effort on the development of man-made diamonds will be mentioned. More recently, jet cutting and food sterilization are driving the technology in new directions. The paper will discuss the differences in design approach between thin-walled and thick-walled cylinders, including the use of favorable residual stresses. The author’s experiences with the development of the autofrettage process for gun barrels, including the “swage” method, will be reviewed. The history of the development of the new Division 3 of Section VIII of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code will be described, including some of the controversies and compromises that arose during the process. [S0094-9930(00)01403-7]