Singularities in Three-Dimensional Compressible Euler Flows with Vorticity

Abstract:

It is known from earlier work that three-dimensional incompressible Euler flows with vorticity can develop a singularity in a finite time, at least if the initial conditions are of a certain class. Here we discuss corresponding possibilities for flows with compressibility. Naturally, it is known that the shock-wave phenomenon represents an important singular field in compressible fluid dynamics especially in the irrotational case. However, here we are concerned not with that phenomenon but rather with compressible flows where any singularity is associated with the presence of vorticity. In particular we expose the role played by the ratio of specific heats in an adiabatic flow field.