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Kurt Magnus: a pioneer of multibody system dynamics

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Abstract

Professor Dr. Kurt Magnus (1912–2003) would celebrate his 100th birthday on September 8, 2012. That is a reason to remember this internationally renowned scientist in the field of mechanics, particularly gyrodynamics and multibody system dynamics. By him, the science of gyrodynamics had once again a golden age in Germany. He established branches of mechanics, which we call today “multibody system dynamics” and “mechatronics.” Also, he was very well known as the editor-in-chief of the Ingenieur-Archiv (Archive of Applied Mechanics) from 1963 to 1980. In this contribution, his scientific career will be described and his outstanding research work will be acknowledged.

From 1966 to 1980, Kurt Magnus was Full Professor of Mechanics at the Munich University of Technology. During this period, the research field of multibody system dynamics became more and more interesting. Therefore, he initiated and chaired the first IUTAM Symposium on Dynamics of Multibody Systems at Munich, August 29–September 3, 1977. Excellent lectures and intensive discussions showed the state-of-the-art and the further potential for research and application. This contribution will remember these early steps of multibody system dynamics.

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  1. Safety Control Engineering, University of Wuppertal, 42097, Wuppertal, Germany

    P. C. Müller

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Correspondence to P. C. Müller.

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Müller, P.C. Kurt Magnus: a pioneer of multibody system dynamics. Multibody Syst Dyn 30, 199–207 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11044-013-9354-y

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