2013/08/05 by Helge Kragh, Kragh, Helge
Physics and Astronomy · #Cosmology and Gravitation Theories #FOS: Physical sciences #History and Developments in Astronomy #History and Philosophy of Physics (physics.hist-ph) #Relativity and Gravitational Theory #physics.hist-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1308.0932
29 pages, 2 figures
arxiv created 2013/08/05 · openalex publication_date 2013/08/05 · arxiv updated 2013/08/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Within the framework of relativistic cosmology oscillating or cyclic models of the universe were introduced by A. Friedmann in his seminal paper of 1922. With the recognition of evolutionary cosmology in the 1930s this class of closed models attracted considerable interest and was investigated by several physicists and astronomers. Whereas the Friedmann-Einstein model exhibited only a single maximum value, R. Tolman argued for an endless series of cycles. After World War II, cyclic or pulsating models were suggested by W. Bonnor and H. Zanstra, among others, but they remained peripheral to mainstream cosmology. The paper reviews the development from 1922 to the 1960s, paying particular attention to the works of Friedmann, Einstein, Tolman and Zanstra. It also points out the role played by bouncing models in the emergence of modern big-bang cosmology.