The N-Vortex Problem Analytical Techniques

This book is an introduction to current research on the N- vortex problem of fluid mechanics. Its goal is to describe the Hamiltonian aspects of vortex dynamics so that graduate students and researchers can use the book as an entry point into the rather large literature on integrable and non-integrable vortex problems within the broader context of dynamical systems. It is as self-contained as possible: the only training required of the reader is a good background in advanced calculus and ordinary and partial differential equations at the level of a typical undergraduate engineering, physics, or applied mathematics major. Exercises of varying difficulty are found at the end of each chapter which often require the reader to fill in details of proofs or complete examples. TOC:N-Vortices in the Plane.- Domains with Boundaries.- Vortex Motion on a Sphere.- Geometric Phases.- Statistical Point Vortex Theories.- Vortex Patch Models.- Vortex Filament Models.- References.

Preface.- 1 Introduction.- 1.1 Vorticity Dynamics.- 1.2 Hamiltonian Dynamics.- 1.3 Summary of Basic Questions.- 1.4 Exercises.- 2 N Vortices in the Plane.- 2.1 General Formulation.- 2.2 N = 3.- 2.3 N = 4.- 2.4 Bibliographic Notes.- 2.5 Exercises.- 3 Domains with Boundaries.- 3.1 Green’s Function of the First Kind.- 3.2 Method of Images.- 3.3 Conformai Mapping Techniques.- 3.4 Breaking Integrability.- 3.5 Bibliographic Notes.- 3.6 Exercises.- 4 Vortex Motion on a Sphere.- 4.1 General Formulation.- 4.2 Dynamics of Three Vortices.- 4.3 Phase Plane Dynamics.- 4.4 3-Vortex Collapse.- 4.5 Stereographic Projection.- 4.6 Integrable Streamline Topologies.- 4.7 Boundaries.- 4.8 Bibliographic Notes.- 4.9 Exercises.- 5 Geometric Phases.- 5.1 Geometric Phases in Various Contexts.- 5.2 Phase Calculations For Slowly Varying Systems.- 5.3 Definition of the Adiabatic Hannay Angle.- 5.4 3-Vortex Problem.- 5.5 Applications.- 5.6 Exercises.- 6 Statistical Point Vortex Theories.- 6.1 Basics of Statistical Physics.- 6.2 Statistical Equilibrium Theories.- 6.3 Maximum Entropy Theories.- 6.4 Nonequilibrium Theories.- 6.5 Exercises.- 7 Vortex Patch Models.- 7.1 Introduction to Vortex Patches.- 7.2 The Kida-Neu Vortex.- 7.3 Time-Dependent Strain.- 7.4 Melander-Zabusky-Styczek Model.- 7.5 Geometric Phase for Corotating Patches.- 7.6 Viscous Shear Layer Model.- 7.7 Bibliographic Notes.- 7.8 Exercises.- 8 Vortex Filament Models.- 8.1 Introduction to Vortex Filaments and the LIE.- 8.2 DaRios-Betchov Intrinsic Equations.- 8.3 Hasimoto’s Transformation.- 8.4 LIA Invariants.- 8.5 Vortex-Stretching Models.- 8.6 Nearly Parallel Filaments.- 8.7 The Vorton Model.- 8.8 Exercises.- References.