Series IV. Robert H. Cavett Files, 1972-1993, undated

Robert H. Cavett was a Monsanto chemical engineer who played a key role in the development of FLOWTRAN. His most notable contribution to FLOWTRAN was advocating for the use of sequential modular (“building block”) architecture, which became the basis of the simulator system’s design.

In January 1976, Cavett suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage, which rendered him unable to work and classified as “permanently disabled”. Between 1980 and 1985, Monsanto employed Cavett as a “test case” in a new plan to rehabilitate injured employees and return them to the workforce, which was overseen by Edward M. Rosen. Cavett recovered and eventually earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Arizona State University in 1993. He was also the first recipient of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers' CAST Division Award (1987).

Arranged alphabetically by subject, this series contains Monsanto’s files regarding Robert H. Cavett. Cavett’s recovery program with Monsanto and his successful pursuit of a Ph.D. are documented in this series. Materials regarding his work on FLOWTRAN during the 1970s are also found here.

The contents of the Robert H. Cavett Files consist mainly of correspondence and reports. A handful of publications written by Cavett, photocopied papers, photocopied articles, and CAST Division Award applications are preserved in these files as well.