vorticityVektor

VorticityVektor is a term used to denote the vorticity vector field in fluid dynamics. It is defined mathematically as the curl of the velocity field: ω(x, t) = ∇ × v(x, t). The vorticityVektor is a vector field in three-dimensional space, with components that describe local rotational motion of the fluid.

Physically, the vorticityVektor provides a measure of the rotation and spin of fluid elements. The direction of ω indicates the axis of rotation following the right-hand rule, and its magnitude |ω| corresponds to the rotation rate. A key mathematical property is that ω is divergence-free for any velocity field, since ∇ · (∇ × v) = 0. In two-dimensional flows, the vorticity reduces to a scalar component perpendicular to the plane.

In fluid dynamics, the vorticityVektor evolves according to the vorticity transport equation, a form of the Navier–Stokes equations. For an incompressible, Newtonian fluid, it can be written as ∂ω/∂t + (v · ∇)ω = (ω · ∇)v + ν ∇^2 ω + ∇ × f, where ν is the kinematic viscosity and f represents body forces. This equation highlights mechanisms such as advection, vortex stretching, diffusion, and external forcing that shape the vorticity field.

Computationally, the vorticityVektor is obtained from velocity data by numerical curl operations, using finite differences or spectral methods. It is widely used in turbulence analysis, vortex identification, aerodynamics, meteorology, and oceanography. Practical considerations include noise amplification in differentiation and the need for adequate spatial resolution and appropriate boundary conditions.

See also: vorticity, curl, enstrophy, helicity.