He believed a safer , more powerful naval cannon could be designed using more scientific design criteria .
Dahlgren 's design philosophy evolved from an accidental explosion in 1849 of a 32 - pounder being tested for accuracy , killing a gunner .
Dahlgren believed a safer , more powerful naval cannon could be designed using more scientific design criteria .
Dahlgren 's design philosophy evolved from an accidental explosion in 1849 of a 32 - pounder being tested for accuracy , killing a gunner .