A short history of high pressure technology from Bridgman to division 3

This paper will briefly review the development of high pressure technology from the early basic science through the major applications that have drive n the technology. These include gun barrel development, the polyethylene pr ocess, and isostatic pressing and crystal growth. A parallel effort on the development of man-made diamonds will be mentioned. More recently, jet cutt ing and food sterilization are driving the technology in new directions. Th e paper will discuss the differences in design approach between thin-walled and thick-walled cylinders, including the use of favorable residual stress es. The authors's experiences with the development of the autofrettage proc ess for gun barrels, including the "swage" method, will be reviewed. The hi story of the development of the new Division 3 of Section VIII of the Boile r and Pressure Vessel Code will be described, including some of the controv ersies and compromises that arose during the process. [S0094-9930(00)01403- 7].