arXiv · 1402.6825
Beltrami fields with a nonconstant proportionality factor are rare
Abstract
We consider the existence of Beltrami fields with a nonconstant proportionality factor $f$ in an open subset $U$ of $\mathbf{R}^3$. By reformulating this problem as a constrained evolution equation on a surface, we find an explicit differential equation that $f$ must satisfy whenever there is a nontrivial Beltrami field with this factor. This ensures that there are no nontrivial solutions for an open and dense set of factors $f$ in the $C^k$ topology. In particular, there are no nontrivial Beltrami fields whenever $f$ has a regular level set diffeomorphic to the sphere. This provides an explanation of the helical flow paradox of Morgulis, Yudovich and Zaslavsky.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Alberto Enciso, Daniel Peralta-Salas. 2014-06-23. Beltrami fields with a nonconstant proportionality factor are rare. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00205-015-0931-5
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.