Martin Knudsen

This article is about the Danish physicist. For the Norwegian footballer, see Martin Knudsen (footballer).

Martin Knudsen
File:Knudsen,Martin 1934 London.jpg Martin Knudsen, 1934 at London
Born	(1871-02-15)February 15, 1871 Hasmark
Died	May 27, 1949(1949-05-27) (aged 78) Copenhagen
Known for	Study of molecular gas flow and the development of the Knudsen cell
Awards	Alexander Agassiz Medal (1936)

Martin Hans Christian Knudsen (February 15, 1871 in Hasmark – May 27, 1949 in Copenhagen) was a Danish physicist who taught and conducted research at the Technical University of Denmark

He is primarily known for his study of molecular gas flow and the development of the Knudsen cell, which is a primary component of molecular beam epitaxy systems.

Knudsen received the University's gold medal in 1895 and earned his master's degree in physics the following year. He became lecturer in physics at the University in 1901 and professor in 1912, when Christian Christiansen (1843–1917) retired. He held this post until his own retirement in 1941.

Knudsen was renowned for his work on kinetic-molecular theory and low-pressure phenomena in gases. His name is associated with the Knudsen flow, Knudsen diffusion, Knudsen number, Knudsen layer and Knudsen gases. Also there is the Knudsen equation; two instruments, the Knudsen absolute manometer and Knudsen gauge; and one gas pump that operates without moving parts, the Knudsen pump. His book, The Kinetic Theory of Gases (London, 1934), contains the main results of his research.

Knudsen was also very active in physical oceanography, developing methods of defining properties of seawater. He was editor of Hydrological Tables (Copenhagen–London, 1901).

He was awarded the Alexander Agassiz Medal of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 1936.

References

Literature

1. Matematiken i Danmark (Mathematics in Denmark) by Niels Nielsen, Gyldendalske Boghandel, Nordisk Forlag, København. Vol. I: 1801-1908, published 1910; Vol. II: 1528-1800, published 1912. (In Danish). Note: This important work is a compilation of Danish mathematical writings. In addition to mathematicians, the short biographical notes include many physicists, astronomers, and early natural philosophers, including medical practitioners.
2. Kemien i Danmark (Chemistry in Denmark) by Stig E. Veibel. Vol. I: Kemiens historie i Danmark (The History of Chemistry in Denmark), 1939. Vol. II: Dansk Kemisk Bibliografi, 1800-1935 (Danish Chemistry Bibliography), 1943. Vol III: Danske Kemikere (Danish Chemists), edited by Bodil Jerslev, 1968 (Three of six chapters by Stig Veibel). All published by Nyt Nordisk Forlag, Copenhagen. (In Danish). Note: Vol. II is a compilation of Danish publications in chemistry and includes works by physicists, geologists, biologists, and physicians, along with biographical information.
3. Dictionary of Scientific Biography, Charles Coulston Gillispie, editor, Scribner's & Sons, New York, 1980 (16 Volumes). Supplement of 1990 (Volumes 17 and 18).