The \(N\)-vortex problem. Analytical techniques (Q5938836)

This book gives an introduction covering recent developments on the N-vortex problem of fluid mechanics. The author describes Hamiltonian aspects of vortex dynamics, enabling graduate students and researchers to use this book as an entry point into large literature on integrable and nonintegrable vortex problems. Here the N-vortex problem is introduced as a branch of dynamical system theory. The author's focus on the subject is fairly narrow but deeper than a broad literature survey. The field of vortex dynamics is lively and active, using techniques that have wide-spread applicability to many general problems in fluid dynamics and modern applied mathematics. It is believed that an extensive study of N-vortex problem provides an ideal entry into the non-linear dynamics that is physically relevant and mathematically rich. The first chapter presents an overview of two main themes of the book, vorticity dynamics and Hamiltonian systems. Here an introduction is given to background topics, the topics necessary for further understanding are covered in the later chapters of the book. At the end of the first chapter, the author describes some of key questions that will also be covered in the later chapters. Chapter two deals with the N-vortex problem in the plane in the absence of boundaries. The 3-vortex problem, fundamental for the development of the subject, is described following the classical works. The interaction in the general N-vortex problem can be represented through interacting triads, and the triad dynamics is shown to play an important role in the understanding of general nonlinear oscillators and turbulent wave interactions. It is recognized that the 3-vortex problem is the simplest problem (in terms of smallest N) capable of generating new length and time scales. A proof of nonintegrability of the restricted 4-vortex problem concludes chapter two. A discussion of vortex problem in plane with boundaries is topic in chapter three. Here the author constructs Green's functions for closed domains by using some classical results from potential theory, and presents methods for explicitly constructing relevant Hamiltonians in closed domains, such as the method of images and conformal mapping techniques. Chapter four deals mainly with a work of the author with one of his students. The N-vortex problem is introduced on a spherical shell, and the integrability, classification of equilibria, non-equilibrium process of 3-vortex spherical collapse and many other important issues are examined in detail for the 3-vortex problem. Additionally, the author presents techniques to treat the case with solid boundaries on a spherical surface. Geometric phases for vortex problem in the plane are presented in chapter five, following the works of the author and his associates. In chapter six, the author gives an overview on statistical mechanics treatment of point vortex motion. Relaxing the assumption that the vorticity is concentrated at singular points, the dynamics associated with vortex patches in the plane is described in chapter seven. Finally, chapter eight discusses vortex filament models. Exercises given at the end of each chapter could be very useful to the readers to enhance their knowledge. Thus, the first three chapters deal with the basic classical two-dimensional point vortex theory, and the rest of the book takes care of the recent applications and extensions of the basic theory. The references are adequate for further study. Many open problems associated with N-vortex motion are also listed. The book is a welcome addition to book shelves of researchers pursuing the N-vortex problem.