Numéro
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 07, Numéro C4, Octobre 1997
XXIIIrd ICPIG
XXIIIrd International Conference on Phenomena in Ionized gases
Page(s) C4-113 - C4-132
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:1997408
EUROPEAN SYMPOSIUM ON MARTENSITIC TRANSFORMATION AND SHAPE MEMORY PROPERTIES

J. Phys. IV France 07 (1997) C4-113-C4-132

DOI: 10.1051/jp4:1997408

The Birkeland Terrella Experiments and their Importance for the Modern Synergy of Laboratory and Space Plasma Physics

K. Rypdal and T. Brundtland

Department of Physics, University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway


Abstract
A study of the evolution of Kristian Birkeland's theories of cosmical physics is presented, with special reference to his laboratory gas-discharge experiments. It is found that his most important thoughts were molded from an intense cross-fertilization between laboratory experiments, geophysical observations and mathematical modelling. Occasionally, original ideas of fundamental importance in the cosmic context emerged from unexpected laboratory results. Possible implications for a sound cross-disciplinary approach to modern plasma science are discussed.



© EDP Sciences 1997