On volume-preserving vector fields and finite type invariants of knots

Abstract

We consider the general nonvanishing, divergence-free vector fields defined on a domain in three space and tangent to its boundary. Based on the theory of finite type invariants, we define a family of invariants for such fields, in the style of Arnold's asymptotic linking number. Our approach is based on the configuration space integrals due to Bott and Taubes.