What pressures did Percy Williams Bridgman achieve in his experiments?
In his pioneering work on high-pressure phenomena, American physicist Percy Williams Bridgman significantly expanded the limits of laboratory pressure research.12
His experimental efforts evolved through several stages:
* Initial range: His early work, beginning in 1908, was initially confined to approximately 6,500 atmospheres.1
* Routine research: He routinely achieved pressures exceeding 30,000 atmospheres.2
* Advanced range: Over time, he extended his capabilities to reach more than 100,000 atmospheres.1
* Maximum achievement: Ultimately, his experiments reached approximately 400,000 atmospheres.1
These achievements were made possible by his invention of a self-sealing seal mechanism, which ensured the gasket pressure always exceeded that of the pressurized fluid, preventing experimental failure.12