Hugh Bradner

Hugh Bradner (November 5, 1915 – May 5, 2008) was an American physicist and oceanographer best known for his work in the development of the neoprene wetsuit, a pivotal advancement in scuba diving and underwater exploration.

Early Life and Education

Born in Tonopah, Nevada, Bradner grew up in California. He earned his bachelor's degree in physics from Pomona College in 1937 and his Ph.D. in physics from the California Institute of Technology in 1941.

Career

During World War II, Bradner worked at the Manhattan Project at the University of California, Berkeley, where he contributed to the development of the atomic bomb. After the war, he joined the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, where he focused on oceanographic research.

In the early 1950s, Bradner developed the concept of the neoprene wetsuit, which revolutionized scuba diving and underwater exploration. The wetsuit, made from a type of synthetic rubber, traps a thin layer of water against the skin, which is then warmed by body heat, providing insulation for divers in cold water.

Bradner's other contributions to oceanography include research on seismic wave propagation in the ocean floor, the development of instruments for measuring ocean currents, and studies on the impact of nuclear testing on the marine environment.

Personal Life

Bradner was married to Marjorie Bradner, a fellow scientist at Scripps. They had two children.

Legacy

Bradner's work has had a significant impact on the fields of physics and oceanography, particularly through the development of the wetsuit. His contributions to the Manhattan Project also played a crucial role in the outcome of World War II.

See Also

• List of physicists
• List of oceanographers
• History of scuba diving