Materials response under static and dynamic high pressures

Studies on equation of state and phase transitions at high pressures have significantly contributed to our basic understanding of condensed matter physics. High-pressure data on materials also find important applications in applied sciences. The developments in first principle theories and experimental techniques are listed. The similarities and differences in behaviour of materials under static and dynamic pressures are discussed. The article also describes the current interplay between theoretical and experimental high-pressure research with illustrations from our own studies and emphasis on future scope. (author). 135 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs