Hayward Augustus Harvey (January 17, 1824 – August 28, 1893) was an American engineer, inventor, and industrialist, best known for his development of "Harveyized" nickel-steel armor, which significantly improved the defensive capabilities of warships in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Early Life and Career Harvey was born in Jamestown, New York. He displayed an early aptitude for mechanics and invention. His career began in manufacturing, where he focused on improving existing processes and developing new machinery. He held numerous patents throughout his life, primarily in areas related to wire production, screw manufacturing, and metallurgy. He founded and managed several industrial enterprises, including the Harvey Steel Company.
Harveyized Steel Harvey's most significant contribution was the process he developed for case-hardening steel armor plates, known as "Harveyizing." Prior to his invention, steel armor plates were often uniform in hardness, making them susceptible to penetration by projectiles. Harvey's process involved carburizing one side of a steel plate—introducing carbon to its surface at high temperatures, followed by rapid cooling. This created a plate with an extremely hard outer surface and a tougher, more ductile back, providing superior resistance to impact and preventing the plate from shattering upon being struck.
The process specifically involved:
- Placing the steel plate in an airtight furnace packed with carbonaceous material (like charcoal).
- Heating the plate to a high temperature for several weeks, allowing carbon to diffuse into the surface.
- Rapidly quenching the plate with water or oil to harden the carburized surface.
Impact and Legacy Harveyized steel armor was revolutionary. It was first adopted by the United States Navy in 1891 and quickly became the standard for naval armor worldwide. Its superior protective qualities meant that warships could either have thinner, lighter armor for the same protection, or significantly enhanced protection with existing armor thickness. This innovation played a crucial role in naval arms races of the late 19th century and influenced battleship design for decades, until it was eventually superseded by Krupp armor, which offered even greater improvements.
Beyond naval applications, Harvey's work contributed broadly to advancements in metallurgy and industrial processes. His life exemplified the era's spirit of innovation and industrial growth in the United States. He died in Orange, New Jersey, in 1893.