The density-functional formalism is used as the framework within which to assess previous calculations and to suggest new avenues of research. As a result of the study, we judge that significant results should be obtained from theoretical high-pressure-physics investigations at one of three levels of sophistication: the Gordon-Kim-Boyer scheme with our suggested modifications; use of the exchange-correlation potential in the local-density approximation in such an accurate band-structure calculation as the augmented-plane-wave, Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker, or linear-combination-of-muffin-tin-orbital methods; or a complete calculation of the electron dynamics in the local-density approximation, which would also be useful in calculating the phonon spectrum. This approach should yield good results for the equation of state, which is the required basis for studies of dynamic and nonlinear effects, structural transitions in insulators and semiconductors (possibly providing a microscopic understanding of the successful ionicity scale of Phillips), simple insulator-metal transitions, polymorphic transitions in metals, and mixed-valence salt transitions. The state of the art in experimental and theoretical high-pressure physics research is surveyed in the context of recent studies on iodine, xenon, and cesium. Ultrahigh-pressure methods now under development are also reviewed. (Author).

On October 3, 1963, a symposium was sponsored by the Bureau of Naval Weapons, Metalworking Processes and Equipment Program, on the application of high pressure in metal-deformation processing. Past research has shown that superimposed hydrostatic pressure can significantly increase the ductility at fracture of various materials. These observations have stimulated considerable interest in applying this hydrostatic-pressure effect to metal deformation processing, where it was anticipated that improved ductility and fabricability of brittle materials could be realized. Hydrostatic extrusion and hydrodynamic compressive forging were two such fabrication techniques discussed at the symposium, and preliminary results were found to be encouraging. Another fabrication process that will be investigated in the near future is sheet drawing, where the effect of superimposed pressure improves the ductility to fracture, it was noted that pressure cycling did not improve either the strength or ductility of steels containing various amounts of carbon. In addition to the mechanical-property effects, hydrostatic pressure has been found to affect measurably, numerous metallurgical properties of metals and alloys. (Author).